Wilmette Public Works Director Named Among Top 10 In Nation

WILMETTE, IL — Brigette Berger-Raish, Wilmette's director of engineering and public works, has been named one of the 2021 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year, one of the highest honors awarded by the American Public Works Association.

Winners of the 62-year-old award are chosen by past recipients of the Top Ten designation, which is based on professional contributions over the course of a career, according to the association. Berger-Raish has worked for the village for the past two decades.

"I’m so grateful and humbled to be recognized by my peers and share this recognition with the incredible team of professionals in Wilmette’s Engineering and Public Works Department and all those who have walked this professional journey with me," Berger-Raish told Patch in an email.

"A career in engineering and public works has afforded me many opportunities to impact our residents’ lives for the better which is extremely gratifying," she added. "I enthusiastically encourage others, especially women, to consider a career in public service. "

Wilmette Village Manager Mike Braiman said the honor was incredibly well-deserved, and village staff were all proud of Berger-Raish's accomplishment.

"The Wilmette community is fortunate to have a selfless public servant such as Brigitte who is singularly focused each day on improving the lives (and the infrastructure) of our residents," Braiman told Patch. "Wilmette would not be the outstanding place it is today without Brigitte's contributions."

Mary Joyce Ivers, president of the association of public works professionals, congratulated the winners for their commitment to improving residents' quality of life.

"It is an honor for APWA to celebrate these outstanding professionals who not only provide the technical expertise to deliver critical services, but to demonstrate servant leadership in their public works professional accomplishments," Ivers said, announcing this year's winners Monday.

"It was an extreme honor and unforgettable experience to notify each of these leaders who represent the best in Public Works."