SAN DIEGO, California (August 27, 2025) – Kleinfelder, Inc. (“Kleinfelder”), a leading multidisciplinary engineering infrastructure firm, is pleased to announce that Vic Bianes, PE, Major Account Manager, has stepped into his elected role as National President of the American Public Works Association (APWA). He was sworn in during APWA’s annual Public Works Expo (PWX 2025), held in Chicago, August 17 through 20.
Bianes’s appointment reflects his long-standing passion for the profession and provides a platform to increase public works visibility at the local, state, and federal levels. He continues to use his platform to encourage young professionals to embrace innovation, expand their professional networks, and learn from fellow experienced professionals through involvement in organizations such as APWA. Bianes is one of five national instructors for APWA’s Emerging Leaders Academy, a one-year program for rising young professionals designed to help them excel and develop leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
Throughout more than four decades of public service, Bianes has had a major impact on local and regional infrastructure. He has extensive experience in major infrastructure planning, design, construction, and operations. As the Director of the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department, he was instrumental in managing water, wastewater, and recycled water systems that served more than 1.3 million residents. While serving as the San Diego County Water Authority’s Engineering Manager, he managed the design efforts for the San Vicente Dam raise, Carlsbad desalination plant, and the development of the Lake Hodges hydropower facility. As Assistant Director for the City of San Diego’s Transportation and Stormwater Department, Bianes championed initiatives to improve the condition of roads, bridges, and transit corridors. He worked closely with Caltrans, SANDAG, and the Mayor’s Office to support downtown mobility integration.
Bianes’s key achievements include:
- 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from APWA San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter recognizing his advancement of public works infrastructure, leadership, and industry impacts
- 2018 Senate Certificate of Recognition, 40th Senate District Ben Hueso, Mabuhay Bayani Award for outstanding community service
- 2017 Harry S. Swearingen Award for outstanding chapter service
- 2015 San Diego County Engineering Council, Outstanding Engineer recognition for outstanding contribution and service to engineering profession
- 2008 APWA San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter, Outstanding Service Public Agency for leadership within the City of San Diego
Chartered in 1937, APWA is the largest organization of its kind. The non-profit professional association is dedicated to promoting excellence in public works through education, advocacy, and knowledge exchange. APWA represents public agencies, private companies, and individuals committed to advancing the profession.
