October 15, 2025
Awards: 4:00-4:30 PM
Awards Reception: 4:30-6:00PM
STAR Campus,
University of Delaware,
Newark, DE
Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin & The University of Delaware’s Center for Clean Hydrogen
The 2025 Innovation & Collaboration Awards will be presented during a ceremony from 4:00-4:30 PM at WRA’s annual “Value of Water” Technical Conference on October 15, 2025. The awards presentation will be followed by a networking reception from 4:40-6:00 PM, celebrating the recipients and fostering continued collaboration among water resource professionals.
The full-day conference, hosted by the University of Delaware’s Center for Clean Hydrogen and co-chaired by Jessica Hartley of Vicinity Energy and Virginia Eisenbrey of Artesian Water, will explore critical practices, innovations, and tools that ensure the responsible, sustainable use of water from the Delaware River Basin.
Five leaders recognized for outstanding contributions to water resource management in the Delaware River Basin.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY AWARD
GreenUp – James Baney
For building and implementing a model for water sector workforce development that supports communities and utilities across the region to promote economic advancement, career development, and leadership opportunities.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY AWARD
AKRF – Kevin Flynn
For building and implementing a model for water sector workforce development that supports communities and utilities across the region to promote economic advancement, career development, and leadership opportunities.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY AWARD
Philadelphia Water Department – Meg Malloy
For building and implementing a model for water sector workforce development that supports communities and utilities across the region to promote economic advancement, career development, and leadership opportunities.
GOVERNMENT AGENCY AWARD
Valley Forge Sewer Authority – C. Eric Stoltz
For addressing the challenge of removing emerging contaminants of concern from water and wastewater through novel and sustainable treatment innovations.
RESEARCH AWARD
Temple University’s Thermal Technologies and Analytical Laboratory – Dr. Gangadhar Andaluri and Md Saiful Islam
For addressing the challenge of removing emerging contaminants of concern from water and wastewater through novel and sustainable treatment innovations.
Business and Industry Award
James Baney
For building and implementing a model for water sector workforce development that supports communities and utilities across the region to promote economic advancement, career development, and leadership opportunities.
View Bio
Business and Industry Award
Kevin Flynn
For building and implementing a model for water sector workforce development that supports communities and utilities across the region to promote economic advancement, career development, and leadership opportunities.
View Bio
Business and Industry Award
Meg Malloy
For building and implementing a model for water sector workforce development that supports communities and utilities across the region to promote economic advancement, career development, and leadership opportunities.
View Bio
Government Agency Award
C. Eric Stoltz
For addressing the challenge of removing emerging contaminants of concern from water and wastewater through novel and sustainable treatment innovations.
View Bio
Research Award
Dr. Gangadhar Andaluri and Md Saiful Islam
For addressing the challenge of removing emerging contaminants of concern from water and wastewater through novel and sustainable treatment innovations.
View Bios
Thank you for being here to celebrate these awe inspiring individuals and organizations advancing innovative solutions to the Delaware River Basin’s sustainability challenges.
4:30 – 5:30 PM | VIP Reception (Engine House): Awardees, Board members, Annual Sponsors, Platinum & Gold Gala Sponsors, and event committee members
5:00-6:00 PM | Cocktail Hour (Mill House Deck): Butlered hors d’oeuvres, Seafood Station, Open Bar
6:00-7:30 PM | Dinner (buffet)
7:15 – 8:30 PM | Awards Ceremony
Welcome: Jennifer Garigliano | WRA Board President
Awards presented by Carla A. Reid, former GM and CEO, WSSC Water
Award descriptions and biographies can be seen above.
Samuel S. Baxter Memorial Award:
Presented to: Steve Tambini
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Presented to: Jan Bowers
Dr. Ruth Patrick Excellence in Education Award:
Presented to: Pocono Environmental Center
Young Leaders Award:
Presented to: Alex Cupo, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia
WRA Achievement Award:
Presented to: City of Wilmington– 15th and Walnut CSO Separation, Green Infrastructure
Innovation and Collaboration Award – Business and Industry:
Presented to: Hopeworks & New Jersey American Water
Accepted By: Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks and Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water
Innovation and Collaboration Award – Government Agency:
Presented to: The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for their Priority Climate Action Plan
Accepted by: Becky A. Bradley, AICP, Executive Director and Susan Myerov, AICP, Director of Environmental Planning on behalf the LVPC
Innovation and Collaboration Award – Research:
Presented to: Villanova University’s GEV and Aqua Pennsylvania – Freshwater Salinization Syndrome in Southeast PA Watersheds
Accepted by: Dr. Steven Goldsmith, Marissa Rossi Cassell, and Krista Seng
7:30 PM | Silent Auction closes
8:15-9:00 PM | Coffee and Dessert
A special thanks to our team:
Be sure to tag @cats2atlantic to share your moments and memories
Check back after the event for photography from the evening, captured by Noelle Andrews
