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California Wastewater Professionals Honored at CWEA's 97th Annual Awards Ceremony

On April 9, 2026, the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) celebrated the achievements of 14 exceptional professionals during the 97th Annual CWEA Awards Ceremony held in Sacramento, California. This event showcased the dedication of individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing water quality, environmental safety, and workforce excellence across the state.

The award recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines essential to ensuring California's clean water future. Notable fields include wastewater operations, maintenance, laboratory sciences, safety, and leadership—all crucial for nurturing sustainable water management practices in the face of growing environmental challenges.

The CWEA Awards Program, which has been operating for nearly a century, honors professionals who continually push the boundaries of service and innovation within the water sector. Recipients of these prestigious awards undergo a rigorous selection process characterized by meticulous applications and peer reviews, ensuring high standards of excellence.

Kathryn Gies, the 2025-2026 President of CWEA and Engineering Manager at West Yost Associates, emphasized the importance of recognizing those who strengthen the water industry. "Honoring and celebrating the professionals and organizations that enhance our industry is central to the CWEA community," Gies proclaimed. "Their dedication, leadership, and innovation inspire us all to lead from wherever we are."

Highlights from the Ceremony

Among the honored individuals, distinctions were awarded in various categories:

• - Collection System Person of the Year: Dominick Gardiner from Ironhouse Sanitary District, Oakley, California.
• - Operator of the Year: Miguel Mendoza from Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority, Victorville, California.
• - Mechanical Technician of the Year: Frederick Parr from City of Camarillo, Camarillo, California.
• - Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year: Fernando Velasco from Moulton Niguel Water District, Laguna Hills, California.
• - Laboratory Person of the Year: Twan Nguyen from Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Chino, California.
• - P3S Person of the Year: Jason Yun from Delta Diablo, Antioch, California.
• - Community Engagement & Outreach Person of the Year: Mary Jo Ramey from Central Marin Sanitation Agency, San Rafael, California.
• - Supervisor of the Year: George Munoz from City of Fontana, Fontana, California.
• - Outstanding Young Professional of the Year: Nikki Ong from Carollo Engineers, Walnut Creek, California.
• - Richard D. Pomeroy Award: Sergio Ramirez from West Bay Sanitary District, Menlo Park, California.
• - Golden Manhole Recipients: Lucia Diaz, Rey Mendez, Chris Newton, Edward Makowski for their outstanding contributions.

The Importance of CWEA

The California Water Environment Association acts as a vital non-profit organization, serving over 11,000 water professionals dedicated to ensuring clean water access and environmental sustainability. CWEA plays a crucial role in educating wastewater professionals, providing certification, sharing technical knowledge, and advocating for sound environmental policies.

To further explore CWEA's impactful initiatives and view a full list of award recipients, visit their official awards page at awards.cwea.org.

The CWEA continues to highlight and elevate the roles of water professionals in California, as they collectively strive to protect and enhance the state's water environment in the coming years. With the continued dedication of these individuals, the future of California’s water systems looks promising.