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 ordinarily takes place in person during GMWEA's annual Spring Meeting, at Killington Grand Hotel; however, in 2021, due to COVID-19 concerns, the announcement of winners took place at our virtual Spring Conference on May 21. Winners will get their plaques (and sincere appreciation) delivered in the coming weeks.

See below for a list of this year's winners, last year's winners, and a link to a complete list of past winners. Note: Winners are recognized for their prior year's service.

CONGRATULATIONS, 2021 WINNERS!

Tim Mills, utility director and chief operator, Town of Bethel, won the Michael J. Garofano Water Operator of the Year Award for outstanding performance in system maintenance, protecting public health, and achievement beyond normal responsibilities.
Bernie Fleury, assistant chief operator, Village of Essex Junction, won the Operator Excellence – Wastewater Award for outstanding performance in system maintenance, protecting public health, and achievement beyond normal responsibilities.
Richmond Water Resources Department WW won the Facility Excellence – Wastewater Award, given to outstanding facilities exceeding system operation requirements. Recognition is for the entire facility and staff.
Mat Cunningham, lead water quality maintenance specialist, Champlain Water District won the Andrew D. Fish Laboratory Excellence Award, given for outstanding activity in laboratory performance at work, community service, education, committee participation, or other outstanding contribution.
Annie Constandi, stormwater engineer, Town of Essex, won the Bob Wood Young Professionals Award, given for achievements of a young professional operator, engineer, or academic student who has achieved notable contributions to the water environment, water or wastewater operations, and /or to GMWEA. (Nominee must be 35 or under).
Joe Gebo, stormwater equipment operator, City of South Burlington, won the Stormwater Award, for outstanding performance in stormwater management and/or education, and significant contribution to the stormwater field (awarded to individuals or organizations).

Tom DiPietro, deputy director of Public Works, City of South Burlington, won the Elizabeth A. Walker Meritorious Service Award for exceptional contributions to the water quality field and to GMWEA.

Ti-SALES, Inc., won the Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award for their long support for and engagement with GMWEA's programs.

Chris Robinson, water quality superintendent, Town of Shelburne, won GMWEA's President's Award for service to the association and the water quality sector in Vermont.

2020 WINNERS

Thanks and congratulations are due to the following individuals, facilities, and companies for their achievements in 2019!

To view all winners since 1997, click the button at the bottom of the page.

Michael Garofono Water Operator Excellence: Vilas Gentes, wholesale maintenance technician, Champlain Water District

Operator Excellence, Wastewater:

(two winners!):

Peter Laramie, chief operator, Fair Haven WWTF
and
Robert Wheeler, chief operator, Bellows Falls & Saxtons River WWTF

Facility Excellence Award, Wastewater:
City of Newport WWTF

Facility Excellence Award, Water:
Randolph Center Water System

Andrew D. Fish Laboratory Excellence Award: Endyne Laboratory Services, Inc.

Bob Wood Young Professional Award: Cody Grimm, water/wastewater operator, Simon Operation Services, Inc.

Stormwater Award (Individual): Dave Wheeler, stormwater project manager, City of South Burlington

Elizabeth Walker Meritorious Service Award: Liz Royer, executive director, Vermont Rural Water Association

GMWEA President's Award: Daniel Hecht, executive director, GMWEA

To view a complete history of awards, click the button below.

Service Excellence Awards

Who is the Best in the Business?

CONGRATULATIONS, 2021 WINNERS!

2020 WINNERS

Award Winners History