Buckeye is proud to announce Fleet Manager Beth Casillas has been named the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Professional Manager of the Year – Public Fleet, recognizing her outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence in public fleet management. 

Under Casillas’ leadership, Buckeye’s Fleet Division has become one of the nation’s top-performing municipal fleet programs and has built a culture focused on employee development and operational excellence. Casillas also established a successful internship partnership with West-MEC, helping prepare the next generation of fleet professionals.

Additionally, Robert van den Akker, Environmental Services Operations Manager, has been named the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Professional Manager of the Year – Solid Waste, recognizing his outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence in municipal solid waste management.

Since joining Buckeye, van den Akker has transformed the city's solid waste program during a period of unprecedented growth. He led the city’s solid waste program through the American Public Works Association (APWA) accreditation process, demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence and nationally recognized best practices. His leadership helped establish partnerships that promote legitimate end-use recycling while preparing the city for long-term success in evolving recycling markets. 

Buckeye congratulates Beth Casillas and Robert van den Akker on this well-deserved honor and applauds them for their continued leadership in advancing public works, protecting the environment and delivering exceptional service to the Buckeye community.