Scholarship Opportunities

Award Winners – 2017

August 23, 2017

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award Winners

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award > 5 MGD

Collier County South Regional WTP

“In recognition of outstanding plant operations & maintenance and exemplary membrane treatment plant performance”

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award < 5 MGD

Palm Coast Plant 3

“In recognition of outstanding plant operations & maintenance and exemplary membrane treatment plant performance”

Outstanding Membrane Plant Operator Award Winner

Kelly Frazier, City of Tarpon Springs

“In recognition of outstanding service and dedication to membrane operations and for leadership within the industry”

Vendor of the Year Award

Toray Membrane USA

“In recognition of the Company’s support and involvement of the Southeast Desalting Association”

Educator of the Year Award

Kirk Lai, Hydronautics

“In recognition of your unwavering and outstanding ability to educate and convey complex information and real-world experiences, for over a decade, to the benefit of the professionals working in the water and wastewater industry”

Lifetime Achievement Award

Cecil Baty

“With great recognition and appreciation for years of loyal and dedicated service to the Southeast Desalting Association and its members”

Distinguished Service Awards

Jerrett Kinslow, Tetra Tech

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the Board of Directors”

Lance Littrell, Kimley-Horn Assoc

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

Chris Kuzler, Tetra Tech

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the Board of Directors”

Renuka Mohammed-Bajnath

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

President’s Recognition Awards

Ben Mohlenhoff

“In recognition of your support of the Southeast Desalting Association as Treasurer, as well as your dedicated efforts on the Tech Transfer Committee and MOC Committee”

David Laliberte

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

Pat Allman

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

Michele Miller

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

Award Winners – 2016

July 5, 2016

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award Winners

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award > 5 MGD

Cape Coral North RO Plant Cape Coral, FL

“In recognition of outstanding plant operations & maintenance and exemplary membrane treatment plant performance”

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award < 5 MGD

Pinewoods Water Treatment Plant Lee County, FL

“In recognition of outstanding plant operations & maintenance and exemplary membrane treatment plant performance”

Outstanding Membrane Plant Operator Award Winner

Richard “Todd” Ellison, Chief Operator Palm Beach County Water Utilities

“In recognition of outstanding service and dedication to membrane operations and for leadership within the industry”

Vendor of the Year Award

Avista Technologies, Inc.

“In recognition of the Company’s support and involvement of the Southeast Desalting Association”

Educator of the Year Award

John Potts, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Jim Harn, Harn R/O Systems, Inc.

“With great recognition and appreciation for years of loyal and dedicated service to the Southeast Desalting Association and its members”

Distinguished Service Awards

Jason Bailey

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the Board of Directors”

Charlie McAllister

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

President’s Recognition Awards

Jason Bailey, Avista Technologies, Inc.

“In recognition of your support of the Southeast Desalting Association as Treasurer, as well as your dedicated efforts on the Tech Transfer Committee and MOC Committee”

Rick Chamness, City of Boca Raton

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

Tony Fogel, Town of Jupiter Utilities

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

Award Winners – 2015

April 20, 2015

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award Winners

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award > 5 MGD

OutstandingMembranePlantLarge_PalmBeachCountyWTP9

Palm Beach County Water Treatment Plant #9

“In recognition of outstanding plant operations & maintenance and exemplary membrane treatment plant performance”

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award < 5 MGD

Town of Smithfield, Virginia RO Plant

“In recognition of outstanding plant operations & maintenance and exemplary membrane treatment plant performance”

Outstanding Membrane Plant Operator Award Winner

John Niederhiser, North County Regional WTP, Collier County

“In recognition of outstanding service and dedication to membrane operations and for leadership within the industry”

Vendor of the Year Award

Hydranautics/Nitto Group Company

“In recognition of the Company’s support and involvement of the Southeast Desalting Association”

Instructor of the Year Award

Neil Gorman, Jacobs Air Water Systems

Lifetime Achievement Award

Brian Matthews, City of Palm Coast

“With great recognition and appreciation for years of loyal and dedicated service to the Southeast Desalting Association and its members”

Distinguished Service Awards

Miguel Arroyo

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the Board of Directors”

Mo Malki

“In recognition of your contribution and support to the growth and development of the Southeast Desalting Association while serving on the SEDA Board of Directors”

Lance Littrell

“In recognition of your role and leadership in planning and preparing for the 2015 Spring Symposium”

President’s Recognition Awards

American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA)

“In recognition of your support of the Southeast Desalting Association in providing opportunities for many successful joint events over the years”

City of Pompano Beach

“In recognition of your continuous support of the Southeast Desalting Association and for graciously hosting many SEDA events over the years”

City of Boca Raton

“In recognition of your continuous support of the Southeast Desalting Association and for graciously hosting many SEDA events over the years”

Special Appreciation Award

Amanda Barnes

“In recognition of your hard work and dedication as a Board Member of SEDA for over seven years, and for your commitment to SEDA by serving as President for the past two years“

Special Recognition Awards

Lynne Gulizia

“In recognition of your dedication to membrane operator training and for acting as a liaison between SEDA, SCMA & SWMOA on the MOC Affiliate Agreement”

Tropical Farms Water Treatment Plant, Martin County Utilities

“In recognition of your contribution to the Southeast Desalting Association in hosting the Plant Tour for the 2015 Spring Symposium”

John Potts

“In recognition of your exemplary and faithful dedication to the Southeast Desalting Association and its members”

AMTA/AWWA Joint Awards

2015 Robert O. Vernon “Operator of the Year” Award Winner

We are proud to announce that SEDA’s 2014 Plant Operator of the Year, Michael Vernon was also awarded the 2015 Robert O. Vernon “Operator of the Year” Award at the AMTA/AWWA MC-15 Conference & Expo this year.

Michael Vernon, Indian River County Utilities

In recognition of his commitment to the membrane industry and his desire to constantly improve operations and efficiency of the membrane system for the utility. In addition, he is recognized for his leadership by example approach and his active role in troubleshooting problems at the water plants.

Chief Operator for Indian River County Utilities
Has been an Membrane Plant Operator for 11+ years
Utility has two NF Plants
SEDA 2014 Outstanding Membrane Plant Operator of the Year

Award Winners – 2014

April 18, 2014

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award Winners

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award > 5 MGD

2014_PlantofYear_Large_JamesEAndersonWTP

James E. Anderson (JEA) Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant

“In Recognition of Outstanding Plant Operations & Maintenance and Exemplary Membrane Treatment Plant Performance”

Outstanding Membrane Plant Award < 5 MGD

City of Oldsmar Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant

“In Recognition of Outstanding Plant Operations & Maintenance and Exemplary Membrane Treatment Plant Performance”

Outstanding Membrane Plant Operator Award Winner

Michael Vernon, Indian River County Utilities

“In Recognition of Outstanding Service and Dedication to Membrane Operations and for Leadership within the Industry”

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Gil Turner, Hydranautics – Nitto Group Company

“With Great Recognition and Appreciation for Years of Loyal and Dedicated Service to Southeast Desalting Association and its Members”

Educator of the Decade Award Winner

Brian Matthews, City of Palm Coast

“In Recognition of Your Unwavering and Outstanding Ability to Educate and Convey Complex Information and Real-World Experiences for over a Decade, to the Benefit of the Professionals Working in the Water and Wastewater Industry”

Educator of the Year Award Winner

Rafael Lemus, Classic Controls, Inc.

“In Recognition of Your Outstanding Ability to Convey Complex Information and Real-World Experiences to the Benefit of the Professionals Working in the Water and Wastewater Industry.”

President’s Recognition Award Winner

2014_Presidential_TheIslandWaterAssociation

The Island Water Association, Inc.

“In Recognition of the Utility’s Support and Involvement with the Southeast Desalting Association”

Distinguished Service Award Winners

David Laliberte

“In Recognition of Your Contribution and Support to the Growth and Development of the Southeast Desalting Association Through Years of Service on the SEDA Board of Directors”

Brian Matthews

“In Recognition of Your Contribution and Support to the Growth and Development of the Southeast Desalting Association“

Sean McFarland

“In Recognition of Your Contribution and Support to the Growth and Development of the Southeast Desalting Association Through Years of Service on the SEDA Board of Directors“

John Potts

“In Recognition of Your Contribution and Support to the Growth and Development of the Southeast Desalting Association“

Vendor of the Year Award Winner

Afton Pumps

“In Recognition of the Company’s Support and Involvement with the Southeast Desalting Association”

AWWA/AMTA Joint Awards

2014 Membrane Facility Award Winner

We are proud to announce that SEDA’s 2013 Plant Award Winner, The City of Clearwater was also awarded the 2014 Membrane Facility Award at the AWWA/AMTA MC-14 Conference & Expo this year.

City of Clearwater

“In recognition of an outstanding water/wastewater facility which applies membrane technology with high efficiency and an environmentally beneficial approach, exhibiting their dedication to the education of their operators and the public as well as innovative operating procedures resulting in an exemplary membrane treatment plant.”

Completed construction and began operation in August 2003
Each of the two RO Skids produce 1 MGD of permeate water
Operates three WTPs that interconnect the distribution system. All operations can be monitored from any of the three locations

2014 Robert O. Vernon “Operator of the Year” Award Winner

We are proud to announce that SEDA’s 2013 Plant Operator of the Year, Fred Hemerick was also awarded the 2014 Robert O. Vernon “Operator of the Year” Award at the AWWA/AMTA MC-14 Conference & Expo this year. Operator_HemerickFred

Fred Hemerick City of Clearwater, FL

In recognition of his innovations in training procedures for operators and trainees at a water/wastewater treatment facility applying membrane technology exhibiting his dedication to improving operations and maintenance through new practice methods, supervision, implementation, and modifications to the facility while providing continuous operation and meeting water demands. His dedication to customer service and utility cost savings are exemplary.

Chief Operator for City of Clearwater
Vastly improved operations and maintenance
Has spent many hours educating the public and other operators on water treatment

Award Winners – 2013

July 5, 2013

2013 Outstanding Membrane Plant Award Winner

City of Boca Raton
“In Recognition of Outstanding Plant Operations & Maintenance and Exemplary Membrane Treatment Plant Performance”

2013 Outstanding Membrane Plant Operator Award Winner

Richard Chamness, City of Boca Raton
“In Recognition of Outstanding Service and Dedication to Membrane Operations and for Leadership within the Industry”

Lifetime Achievement Award

Harold Fravel Jr., Ph.D.
“For Your Dedication and Outstanding Service in the Development and Continued Support of the Organization“

Educator of the Year Award

Mo Malki, American Water Chemicals, Inc.
“In Recognition of Your Outstanding Ability to Convey Complex Information and Real-World Experiences to the Benefit of the Professionals Working in the Water and Wastewater Industry“

2013 President’s Recognition Award

Jason Bailey, Avista Technologies, Inc.
“In Recognition of Your Contribution and Support and Involvement with the Southeast Desalting Association“

Palm Beach County Water Utilities
“In Recognition of the Utility’s Contribution and Support and Involvement with the Southeast Desalting Association“

2012 Distinguished Service Award

Bill Lazenby
“In Recognition of Your Contribution and Support to the Growth and Development of the Southeast Desalting Association“

Greg Turman
“In Recognition of Your Contribution and Support to the Growth and Development of the Southeast Desalting Association“

Award Winners – 2012

September 12, 2012

2012 Outstanding Membrane Plant Award Winner

Jupiter Water Systems (Anthony Walker accepting)
“In Recognition of Outstanding Plant Operations & Maintenance and Exemplary Membrane Treatment Plant Performance”

2012 Outstanding Membrane Plant Operator Award Winner

Fred Greiner, City of Palm Coast
“In Recognition of Outstanding Service and Dedication to Membrane Operations and for Leadership within the Industry”

Lifetime Achievement Award

Steven J. Duranceau, Ph.D., P.E.
“For Your Dedication and Outstanding Service in the Development and Continued Support of the Organization“

Educator of the Year Award

Jarrett Kinslow, Tetra Tech
“In Recognition of Your Outstanding Ability to Convey Complex Information and Real-World Experiences to the Benefit of the Professionals Working in the Water and Wastewater Industry“

Instructor of the Decade Award

Harold G. Fravel, Jr., Ph.D., Dow Water & Process Solutions
“In Recognition of Your Outstanding Ability to Convey Complex Information and Real-World Experiences to the Benefit of the Professionals Working in the Water and Wastewater Industry over the Past Decade“

Vendor of the Year

American Water Chemicals, Inc. (El-Shafie Tarek accepting)
“In Recognition of Your Contribution and Support to the Growth and Development of the Southeast Desalting Association“