Dover DPW Director Kevin McCabe wins national young leader award

The Town of Dover announced that Department of Public Works Director Kevin McCabe has received the American Public Works Association's 2026 Pakpour Consulting Group Young Leader of the Year Award.

McCabe received the award at APWA's Public Works Expo, held Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 in Houston. The award recognizes young members who have shown leadership, contributed to their communities and the public works profession, and demonstrated a commitment to continued growth. To be eligible, candidates must have been APWA members in good standing for five consecutive years and be no older than 35.

In a statement, APWA said the award "recognizes individuals who demonstrate that leadership in public works is defined by commitment, initiative, and vision, not tenure alone," adding that McCabe "embodies this principle" as a trusted advocate for the profession who mentors peers and delivers value to his community.

McCabe became Dover's first director of public works when he was appointed in 2022. He previously served as director of operations for the Town of Sudbury and has worked in the public sector since 2016. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Since joining Dover, McCabe has led the consolidation of the town's Administration, Highway, Water, Transfer Station, and Cemetery/Parks & Trees departments into a single Department of Public Works. As the town's tree warden, he has partnered with Chickering Elementary School and the Dover Tree Preservation Committee on a tree planting and seedling distribution program and an annual Arbor Day celebration.

McCabe also introduced a fleet management program and vehicle replacement standards, and secured federal funding that advanced the $13 million Centre Street/Central Avenue Bridge Project, now underway with the Town of Needham.

"I'm honored to receive this award. Thank you very much to all my colleagues and fellow members of the APWA for making this possible," McCabe said. "I look forward to continuing our work to help improve the quality of life for all residents of Dover."

Town Administrator Michael Blanchard said, "Congratulations to our DPW Director Kevin McCabe for this well-deserved recognition. He is constantly working to ensure that public works and public works professionals represent the highest standard possible. Kevin is a model public servant and a leader among his peers. He is a strong advocate for public works and APWA."

Source: Town of Dover announcement, October 26, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.