Water leaders honored for transformative innovation and collaboration
Awards to be presented at WRA’s Value of Water Technical Conference on October 15th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (PA, NJ, DE, NY) – The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin (WRA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Innovation & Collaboration Awards, recognizing exceptional leaders and organizations making significant contributions to water resource management across the region. The awards will be presented at WRA’s annual Technical Event, “The Value of Water,” on October 15, 2025, at the STAR Campus at the University of Delaware.
“These awards celebrate the extraordinary individuals and organizations who advance water stewardship through innovation, collaboration, and science-based solutions to some of our most critical water resources challenges,” said Skelly Holmbeck, Executive Director of WRA. “These honorees demonstrate that when we work together—across sectors, disciplines, and communities—we can achieve remarkable outcomes in our ability to deliver critical services in partnership with local communities. From workforce development to emerging contaminant treatment, these innovators are upholding a tradition of excellence in water resources that makes our region proud.”
2025 Awardees are:
Innovation and Collaboration Award – Research: Temple University’s Thermal Technologies and Analytical Laboratory for their work, led by Gangadhar Andaluri, PhD and Md Saiful Islam to address the challenge of removing emerging contaminants of concern from water and wastewater through novel and sustainable treatment innovations in partnership with the Valley Forge Sewer Authority.
Innovation and Collaboration Award – Government Agency: Valley Forge Sewer Authority for their work, led by C. Eric Stoltz, to address the challenge of removing emerging contaminants of concern from water and wastewater through novel and sustainable treatment innovations in collaboration with Temple University’s Thermal Technologies and Analytical Laboratory.
Innovation and Collaboration Award – Business and Industry: GreenUp, led by James Baney, in partnership with Meg Malloy with The Philadelphia Water Department, and Kevin Flynn at AKRF, 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.
Award Recipients Reflect on Their Work
“Green stormwater infrastructure is important work, and we appreciate the opportunity to be in the field supporting the Philadelphia Water Department and the Green Cities, Clean Water Program. The program is approaching 15 years old, and GreenUp is 10 years in — we’re proud to have been part of the program for the past decade,” says Jim Baney of GreenUp. “A GreenUp priority is providing green, living wage jobs first and foremost. We take this role very seriously and are honored to promote job opportunities and workforce training throughout Philadelphia.”
Dr. Gangadhar Andaluri and Md Saiful Islam of Temple University’s Thermal Technologies and Analytical Laboratory shared: “We are honored to receive the 2025 Innovation and Collaboration – Research Award from the WRA. This recognition reflects the power of partnership and shared commitment to protecting the health of the Delaware River basin. Working alongside Eric Stoltz and the Valley Forge Sewer Authority has been a true example of how science, policy, and practical solutions can come together to make a lasting impact on our communities and waterways.”
Awards Ceremony and Celebration
The 2025 Innovation & Collaboration Awards will be presented during a ceremony from 4:00-4:30 PM at WRA’s Value of Water Technical Conference on October 15, 2025. The awards presentation will be followed by a reception immediately following, 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 for services and products we rely on, from drinking water and whiskey, to power production and paper towels.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- Awards Ceremony: 4:00-4:30 PM
- Awards Reception: 4:30-6:00 PM
- Location: STAR Campus, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
For more information about the awards, the recipients, or to register for the Value of Water event, visit www.wradrb.org or contact Skelly Holmbeck, Executive Director, at ed@wradrb.org.
About the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin
The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin (WRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sustainable management and protection of water resources in the Delaware River Basin. WRA unites organizations and individuals providing critical water and water dependent services and products to our communities, to our region, and beyond to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and advance innovative solutions for water resource challenges
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