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IECA Announces Award Winners at 2018 Conference 03-05-18 | Association News

IECA Announces Award Winners at 2018 Conference
Recognizing Accomplishments of Members

Awards for excellence and education were presented at the 2018 International Erosion Control Association Region One conference. The association annually honors advancements in the industry and educational development.

The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Region One announced the winners of their 2018 awards at the annual conference held in Long Beach, Calif.

The awards recognize outstanding contribution to erosion management, sediment control and storm water management. Awards presented included the environmental excellence award, outstanding professional of the year and sustained contributor.

Paul Kofi Nsiah of Brandenburg Technology University, Germany received the environmental excellence award.

Nsiah's work with geotextiles during a goldmine reclamation in Ghana was recognized for outstanding erosion and sediment control. The project involved local community members and created jobs in the area.

Jonathan Koepke was awarded outstanding professional of the year, an award that recognizes an IECA member for their leadership and engagement with the association.

Last years' recipient Adam Dibble nominated Koepke.

"Jonathan embodies the ideal IECA member with his continuous support and engagement in the organization," states Dibble. "He acts as the current IECA board treasurer and the Great Lakes Chapter president. Jonathan was the anchor to developing the Canadian chapter, which has quickly become one of the strongest IECA chapters."

Educational awards were also presented at the conference: the 2017 environmental connection presenter of the year to Dr. Eve Brantley and 2018 most distinguished technical paper, to Marc S. Theusien and J.P Johns, which is voted on by industry peers.

"This year was one of our most competitive nomination years and judges were excited to read about the incredible contributions our nominees have made in their fields and communities," states Sharan Wilson, executive director for IECA. "We can't wait to see how next year's nominees will impact our industry."