Local Hero Steps Into the Spotlight
Not every day does a local government worker grab headlines, yet Tom Curioso’s career is just too extraordinary to ignore. This spring, the American Public Works Association handed Curioso, Deputy Director of Stonington Public Works, its "Supervisor of the Year" title. That’s not small praise—especially for someone who literally started at the wheels and worked his way to the top.
Tom’s story kicks off in 1986 when he was behind the wheel as a truck driver for the same department he’d eventually help lead. Decades of rain, snow, late nights, and heavy machinery later, he’s orchestrating the work that keeps Stonington running. Residents may not notice readied roads or cleared school fields right away, but those little details build up to a town that feels in order—and Tom has quietly made sure of it.
The Public Works crew in Stonington tackles maintenance on a whopping 110 miles of town roads, but that’s just the beginning. Drainage systems get attention, athletic fields are kept playable, town facilities from offices to boat docks stay functional, all in a week’s work for the team—guided by Tom’s steady hand.
The American Public Works Association only hands out the Supervisor of the Year award to those who really raise the bar for leadership and dedication. Tom’s recognition at the group’s 2025 Spring Conference isn’t just a nice plaque for his desk—it’s a shoutout to a nearly 40-year journey from entry-level job to leading the charge on municipal projects that affect daily life for thousands.
Dedication that Inspires a Community
You can’t separate Tom Curioso from the fabric of Stonington. He’s lived here all his life, earning the respect of both longtime residents and new neighbors. The work can get tough—nobody signs up for public works looking for glamor or easy days. But Tom’s approach makes things click. Coworkers describe his management style as calm yet demanding, always focused on getting the best results while looking after the people doing the work.
The award isn’t just about technical know-how. It’s a nod to the way Tom boosts morale and sets high standards—neighbors see the difference when snow removal happens a bit quicker, or when storm drains function as they should during the worst weather. His story reminds people that leadership and commitment aren’t reserved for CEOs or politicians—sometimes, the real impact comes from folks like Tom who stick with their community, year after year.
The news broke on April 16 after the spring conference, and the small-town buzz is real. For the staff at Stonington Public Works, and really anyone who’s seen a road paved or a park improved under Tom’s watch, there’s a sense of pride. Recognition like this makes people look twice at the invisible work that holds a town together. In public infrastructure, that steady service is gold.
So, next time you drive on a smooth stretch of road in Stonington or see a school field prepped for a big game, remember the team who pulled it off—led by a Supervisor of the Year whose journey proves that dedication truly pays off.
