AWA Annual Award Nominations
About the
AWA Water Leadership Award
September 1995 marked the first annual AWA Member and Elected Officials/Policymakers Reception held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
The event was a brainchild of then AWA Director and City of Simi Valley council member Sandi Webb as a means to carry out the mission of AWA to create a forum for communication on water matters in Ventura County between the water community and our elected leaders and policymakers. The prestigious event became the venue for the first annual Water Leadership Award presented in 1998. There has been no shortage of deserving nominees since that first year resulting in a lengthy list of honored recipients.
The award marks the invaluable contributions and achievements made by elected officials, policymakers, AWA members, water sector professionals, individuals, or groups. More specifically “to recognize outstanding service and dedication, in making a significant effort to improve Ventura County’s water resources.”
Selection Process
Nominations will be accepted from AWA Members (Applicant).
Nominees can be an individual or a group/entity.
Applicants are asked to provide letter/s of support and to describe how the nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities in the field of water. AWA especially encourages nominations that reflect the mission and goals of the Association.
AWA Water Leadership Award recipients are selected by a committee. The committee members are appointed by the AWA President and approved by the board of directors. The committee makes selection decisions based on the information submitted on the nomination form. Award recipients are determined by their demonstrated ability to meet the established criteria as detailed and explained in the nomination materials.
Criteria
Outstanding service and dedication, in making a significant effort to improve Ventura County’s water resources.
Applications must be received no later than August 23, 2024.
Award Presentation
The 2024 Award Recipient will be announced and presented at the 29th Annual Reception on September 19th at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
About the
CCWUC Water Operator Appreciation Award
First Award Recipient
September 2023
Samuel Gonzalez
Water Distribution Supervisor
County of Ventura
September 2023 marked the inaugural presentation of the Water Operator Appreciation Award.
During a series of ‘information sharing’ meetings held to address the lack of workforce development in the field of water utilities, a light was shed on another important factor ... story after story was told of the incredible sacrifices and contributions made for our community by Frontline Utility Workers. Tales of bravery during fires to repair infrastructure, personal sacrifices made during Covid-19 quarantines to keep services uninterrupted, hours spent away from families to cover unmanned shifts, volunteer coordination and assistance to help emergency personnel in the field, and many, many more testimonials revealed the true heroism of these workers, and the lack of acknowledgement by the public for their service. The award marks the invaluable contributions and achievements made by maintenance workers, treatment operators, distribution operators, electrical and instrumentation technicians, and more.
Channel Counties WaterUtility Committee (CCWUC)
An AWA committee providing educational webinars, training workshops, and the annual Operator Technology Workshop/Vendor Fair. Assisting and offering information and instruction for water operators, technical field workers, supervisors, board members, and water industry vendors. Additionally, programming provides California State Water Resources Board continuing education contact hours to meet license renewal requirements.
Selection Process
Nominations will be accepted from AWA/CCWUC Members (Applicant).
Nominees can be an individual or a group/entity.
Applicants will be asked to provide letter/s of support and to describe how the nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities in the field of water utility frontline work.
Award recipients are selected by a committee. The committee members are appointed by the CCWUC Chair and Co-Chair.
AWA will receive the nominations via email/website and use discretion to redact the name of the nominee and their agency before submitting to the committee.
The committee makes selection decisions based on the information submitted on the nomination form. Award recipients are determined by their demonstrated ability to meet the established criteria as detailed and explained in the nomination materials.
Criteria: Outstanding service and dedication, in making a significant effort to improve Ventura County’s water resources.
Applications must be received no later than August 26, 2024.
Award Presentation
The 2024 Award Recipient will be announced and presented at the CCWUC Annual BBQ Luncheon on September 25th.
AWA Water Leadership Award
Nomination Form
CCWUC Water Operator Appreciation Award
Nomination Form
Previous Water Leadership Award Recipients
