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The mission of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Awards program is to recognize outstanding achievements in the erosion and sediment control industry. These awards are selected on criteria that reflect quality, skill and environmental benefits. All winners were recognized recently at the 2025 IECA Annual Conference and Expo in Richmond, Va.
Environmental Excellence Award
The Environmental Excellence Award is IECA’s premier award. It recognizes an outstanding stormwater and erosion and/or sediment control project, program or operation that demonstrates excellence in natural resource conservation and environmental protection.
This year’s Environmental Excellence Award was presented to the Mount Messenger Alliance for their transformative work on Te Ara o Te Ata (TATA). This project sets a new standard for environmental stewardship and innovation, overcoming steep terrain and sensitive ecosystems with adaptive erosion and sediment control techniques, real-time water quality monitoring, and public data transparency. Partnering with Ngāti Tama iwi, the alliance has created a legacy of ecological restoration, cultural respect, and community impact, leaving Mount Messenger in a better state for future generations.
Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes young professionals in the erosion/sediment control and stormwater industries who support and demonstrate excellence in natural resource conservation and environmental protection.
This year’s Emerging Leader Award was presented to Christina Kranz. She is recognized for her extensive contributions to erosion control standards, mentorship, and innovative workshop development, as well as her leadership as the Standards and Practices Committee Chair and active participation in professional conferences and publications.
Outstanding Professional of the Year Award
The Outstanding Professional Award recognizes an IECA member that demonstrates excellence in their work in the industry and is viewed by IECA peers as an industry leader through significant engagement with IECA.
This year’s Outstanding Professional of the Year Award was presented to Jeff King, CPESC. He is honored with the Outstanding Professional Award for his leadership in erosion and sediment control, extensive project experience, and dedicated service as president of IECA’s South Central Chapter, advancing sustainable practices in the industry.
Sustained Contributor Award
The Sustained Contributor Award recognizes an IECA member who has provided distinguished service to IECA and has made outstanding contributions to improve the erosion and sediment control industry for a sustained period of time.
This year’s Sustained Contributor Award was presented to Sonny Johns, REP, CPESC, CISEC. He is awarded the Sustained Contributor Award for his 25+ years of leadership, certifications, and transformative contributions to IECA, including strategic governance, professional development, and advancing environmental stewardship in erosion and sediment control.
Sustained Partner Award
The Sustained Partner Award recognizes a company who has provided distinguished support to IECA and has made outstanding contributions to improve the erosion and sediment control industry for a sustained number of years.
This year’s Sustained Partner Award was presented to Vital Chemical, in recognition of their support of the IECA Australasia Chapter and their outstanding contributions to the industry. For almost 50 years, Vital Chemical has been a leader in developing environmentally sound, innovative solutions for erosion control, revegetation, dust control, and water treatment. Their commitment to sustainability and safety for humans, flora, and fauna aligns perfectly with IECA’s mission. As a sponsor of the Australasia Chapter’s Young Professional Scholarship Program for over 10 years, Vital Chemical has empowered the next generation of industry leaders by supporting education, professional development, and engagement within the erosion and sediment control community.
2025 Presenter of the Year
The Presenter of the Year Award recognizes the 2024 IECA Annual Conference presenter who received the highest classroom evaluation. The 2025 Presenter of the Year was awarded to Daniel M. Nitzsche and Robin Casioppo for their presentation “Get Dirty: A Hands-on Soil Texture Workshop.” Blending an informative presentation on soil texture with practical, hands-on field testing, their workshop captivated participants while offering valuable insights into soil management on construction sites. Their innovative approach to teaching earned top evaluations, reflecting their expertise and ability to inspire and educate professionals in the erosion and sediment control industry.
This award recognizes the technical paper from the IECA Annual Conference that receives the highest peer review score from the IECA Conference Review Team. The paper is evaluated on research, support of the hypothesis, accurate and appropriate methods being used and identified, the collection of data and conclusion of research.
2025 Technical Paper of the Year
This year’s Technical Paper of the Year Award recognized Brian Roche for the paper “Large-Scale Performance Evaluation of Various Rock Check Dam Installations.” This study addresses a critical challenge in erosion control by evaluating the hydraulic performance of rock check dams under real-world conditions. His work not only advances our understanding of erosion control practices but also provides actionable insights that will enhance the effectiveness of stormwater management on construction projects worldwide.
IECA Lifetime Achievement Award
The IECA Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the International Erosion Control Association, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership, and impact within the erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and environmental conservation industries. In recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary contributions to the erosion and sediment control industry, IECA proudly bestows the inaugural IECA Lifetime Achievement Award to J. Warren Faircloth.
In recognition of his decades of dedication, leadership and contributions to the industry, IECA is proud to recognize the next IECA Lifetime Achievement Award to Wally Butman.
The Tie That Binds Us
In the world of soil and water conservation, innovation, and collaboration, one of the IECA’s most cherished traditions is a surprising—and stylish—one: The Tie That Binds Us. This tradition is about more than passing along a piece of fabric—it’s about the spirit of collaboration and dedication to the industry of those who have shaped the IECA. Although it is lighthearted, it is a reminder of the serious collaborative work we do together. This year’s recipient is Joe Johnson.
IECA Partners for Excellence award winners
IECA Partners for Excellence Program recognizes IECA chapters that have taken the initiative to better serve not only the members of their chapters but also the public in general. Innovation, chapter involvement, measurable results and application are key criteria. This year’s winners are:
Outstanding Leadership Development – South Central Chapter
Outstanding Innovative Education – Australasia Chapter
Outstanding Career Development – Australasia Chapter
Outstanding Communication & Outreach – South Central Chapter
Outstanding Membership Retention – Australasia Chapter
Outstanding Membership Recruitment – Pacific Northwest Chapter
Rick Granard Award of Distinction – Australasia Chapter
University Partner Poster Competition
First Place: Stormwater Recharged: Innovating with Electrical Flocculation
Megan Armstrong | Auburn University
Second Place: Combating Coastal Erosion by Extending Living Shoreline Lifespan Through Optimal Thin Layer Placement
Jannell Clampitt | Auburn University
Third Place: Optimizing Sediment Basin Configuration: Insights from SWMM Analysis for Improved Design Efficiency
Paige Macdonald | Auburn University
People’s Choice Award
A Visual Approach to Estimating Sediment Discharge by Erosia
Brendan Galvin, Leo Lee, and Kaiden Simon | High School Students