Service Excellence Awards
Who is the Best in the Business?
GMWEA believes our water quality workers deserve recognition for their knowledge, skills, and dedication -- too often under-appreciated by the public they serve. Our annual awards honor individuals, facilities, and companies nominated by their peers for their exceptional achievements.
The award ceremony takes place in person during GMWEA's annual Spring Meeting.
See below for a list of past winners, and a link to a complete list of past winners. Note: Winners are recognized for their prior year's service.
GMWEA Awards Descriptions and Winner History
CONGRATULATIONS, 2024 RECIPIENTS!
GMWEA believes our water quality workers deserve recognition for their knowledge, skills, and dedication -- too often under-appreciated by the public they serve. Our annual awards honor individuals, facilities, and companies nominated by their peers for their exceptional achievements.
The award ceremony takes place in person during GMWEA's annual Spring Meeting.
See below for a list of past winners, and a link to a complete list of past winners. Note: Winners are recognized for their prior year's service.
GMWEA Awards Descriptions and Winner History
CONGRATULATIONS, 2024 RECIPIENTS!
- Steve Cote, Richmond Water Resources, received the the Michael J. Garofano Water Operator of the Year Award for outstanding performance in system maintenance, protecting public health, and achievement beyond normal responsibilities.
- Nate Fraser, Town of Springfield, received the Operator Excellence Award – Wastewater, given for outstanding performance in system maintenance, protecting public health, and achievement beyond normal responsibilities.
- Richmond Water Resources received the Facility Excellence Award – Water, presented to facilities for exceeding system operation requirements. Recognition is for the entire facility and staff.
- Town of Middlebury, Richmond Water Resources, Village of Ludlow, and Village of Johnson received a Facility Excellence Award – Wastewater, given to outstanding facilities exceeding system operation requirements. Recognition is for the entire facility and staff. These plants were being acknowledged for the excellent work by the entire facility and staff in responding to the extreme damage caused by the flood and their efforts to maintain and restore operations.
- Jeremy Rathbun, Town of Middlebury, received the Andrew D. Fish Laboratory Excellence Award, awarded for outstanding activity in laboratory performance at work, community service, education, committee participation, or other outstanding contribution.
- Brad Snow, Richmond Water Resources, and Hannah Yates, City of Burlington, were recognized with a Bob Wood Young Professionals Award, given for achievements of young professional operators, engineers, or students, who have achieved notable contributions to the water environment, water, wastewater, or stormwater operations, and/or to GMWEA.
- Otter Creek Engineering, Inc., was recognized as the Corporate Sponsor of the Year for their longstanding support for and engagement with GMWEA's programs.
- Chris Robinson, Town of Shelburne, received the Elizabeth Walker Meritorious Service Award. This award recognizes a member of the Green Mountain Water Environment Association who has provided outstanding service to the water resources sector at the utility, community, or association on level through diligence, innovation, leadership, or just plain hard work.
- Jay Nadeau, Champlain Water District, received the Outstanding Service Award, honoring a member of the Green Mountain Water Environment Association who has throughout their career demonstrated outstanding service to the Association through leadership and active participation in GMWEA.
- Jeff Strong, Town of Springfield, received the President’s Award, presented to an individual for their hard work in the water profession and to recognize the impact they make.
2023 WINNERS
Thanks and congratulations are due to the following individuals, facilities, and companies for their achievements in 2022!
Thanks and congratulations are due to the following individuals, facilities, and companies for their achievements in 2022!
- Michael J. Garofano Water Operator of the Year Award: Travis Sheldon, Champlain Water District
- Facility Excellence – Wastewater Award: Winooski Wastewater Treatment Facility
- Andrew D. Fish Laboratory Excellence Award: Bill Wager, Simmonds Precision Products Inc., Collins Aerospace Vergennes
- Outstanding Industrial – Operator Award: Steve Miller, Alchemist Brewery
- Bob Wood Young Professionals Award: Amelia McClure, City of Burlington
- Elizabeth A. Walker Meritorious Service Award: Robert Fischer, City of South Burlington
- Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award: Weston & Sampson
- President’s Award: Amy Macrellis