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. 

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, 2025 RECIPIENTS!

• Roy Farrar, Town of Springfield, received the Michael J. Garofano Water Operator of the Year Award for outstanding performance in system maintenance, protecting public health, and achievement beyond normal responsibilities.
• Jacob Drown, City of Barre, received the Operator Excellence Award – Wastewater, given for outstanding performance in system maintenance, protecting public health, and achievement beyond normal responsibilities.
• Town of Plainfield received the Facility Excellence Award – Water, presented to facilities for exceeding system operation requirements. Recognition is for the entire facility and staff.
• Bellows Falls Wastewater Facility 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.
• Richard LeDrew, 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.
• Monika Ingalls, Tyler Thomas, and Cale Whitcomb 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.
• BLUE Stormwater Program was recognized with the Stormwater Award for outstanding performance in stormwater management and/or education, and significant contribution to the stormwater field.
• Stantec was recognized as the Corporate Sponsor of the Year for their longstanding support for and engagement with GMWEA's programs.
• Andrew Fish, Laboratory Excellence, LLC, 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.
• Chelsea Mandigo, City of Essex Junction, received the President’s Award, presented to an individual for their hard work in the water profession and to recognize the impact they make.