WRA's 41st Annual

AWARDS GALA

When:

September 12, 2024
5:00 – 9:00 PM

Where:

The Grand Pavilion
640 Waterworks Dr
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Hosted By:

Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin
Co-Hosts: Helene Gregory and Dennis Palmer
MC: Carla Reid

Award Recipients

The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin’s 41st Awards Gala honors individuals and organizations that have made an indelible mark on the Delaware River Basin and beyond through their vision, innovation and leadership.

SAMUEL S BAXTER MEMORIAL AWARD

Steven Tambini, P.E.

For over 40 years of distinguished service and leadership in water resources, promoting and personifying technical excellence, integrity, collaboration and diplomacy in developing and implementing solutions to complex challenges in the Delaware River Basin.

LIFETIME ACIEVEMENT AWARD

Jan Bowers

For dedicated, visionary leadership that has advanced progressive policies and management of water resources in the Delaware River Basin.

Dr. Ruth Patrick Excellence in Education Award

Pocono Environmental Education Center

For a sustained commitment to providing inspired environmental education programs for students that drive home the importance of science, environmental protection, climate resiliency and stewardship in the Delaware River Basin.

Young leaders award

Alex Cupo, Sustainable Business Network of Philadelphia

For his proactive leadership in addressing climate resiliency and water sustainability in the Delaware River Basin through the creation of collaborative networks that foster innovative solutions.

WRA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

City of Wilmington – 15th and Walnut CSO Separation, Green Infrastructure

In recognition of their state-of-the-art green infrastructure designed collaboratively with multiple community interests to encourage people to enjoy the arts, experience the outdoors, and protect water quality.

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AWARD – BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Hopeworks & New Jersey American Water

For their critical role in connecting watershed residents in Camden and Philadelphia with the job skills, technical skills, and added support needed to be successful in water resources.

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AWARD – Government Agency

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

For their commitment to promoting the health and welfare of the Lehigh Valley, recognizing that deep community collaboration is necessary to drive progress and to ensure that future generations have access to clean air and water.

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AWARD – Research

Villanova University’s Department of Geography and the Environment, Lead Researcher Stephen T. Goldsmith, PhD, and Aqua America

For advancing science in support of innovative solutions for road de-icing to reduce impacts to stream ecosystems and drinking water sources.

JOHN L. BUZZI SCHOLARSHIP

Nolan Wilson, 2024 graduate of Appoquinimick High School, freshman at The University of Delaware, Marine Biology and Environmental Science

The scholarship recognizes Wilson’s outstanding academic achievements, passion for water resources and environmental science, and meaningful service to his community.

“Steve's contributions to water resource management are significant and worthy of recognition, from developing a scientific basis to improve dissolved oxygen in the Delaware River Estuary to creating water resources policies on high volume hydraulic fracturing. Throughout his career, Steve has modeled leadership through technical excellence, integrity and diplomacy.”

“Jan has had numerous accomplishments during her 24 years with Chester County Water Resources Authority including the original integrated County-wide water resources plan, Watersheds, a joint water conditions monitoring program with the USGS, rehabilitation of two major dams, and a key part of the Christina Watershed Municipal Partnership, focused on addressing stormwater pollution. In my experience, Jan has exuded leadership and thoughtfulness in her work, which has led to better policies and management of water resources throughout the region.”

“As a partner with Hopeworks for over a decade, we have seen firsthand the tremendous impact their programs have on young adults. We are deeply honored to play a part in this incredible organization that not only changes the lives of its participants, but helps end the cycle of generational poverty for families"

“Hopeworks is honored to receive the 2024 Innovation and Collaboration - Business & Industry Award from The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin’s Board of Directors. This recognition underscores our commitment to impactful work, inspiring young adults, and innovative partnerships within the Water Industry. We are dedicated to developing a skilled workforce for the water industry, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to tackle the challenges of sustainability and resilience. By providing real world on the job training, we are not only contributing to the health of our watershed but also empowering individuals to build rewarding careers in this vital field."

“These awardees are leading with science, collaboration and vision to advance resilience and sustainability in the Delaware River Basin and beyond. WRA’s Awards Gala, which some refer to as ‘Water Prom’, is a unique opportunity for our community across the four states – New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware – to come together and honor these programs and individuals making an indelible mark on the health of our basin.”

Schedule

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:

Young Leaders Co-Chairs
Suzanne Newman

Melissa Marchisello

Matthew J Marchisello

Torin M. Johnson

Silent Auction Co-Chairs
Courtney Obregon
Michael Rockel
Lauren Howard

Wine Pull Co-Chairs
Abdullah Al-Amin

Ben Deatrich
Josh Ferguson

Event Planner
Renee Patrone Rhinehart, Events by Renee