Outstanding Professional Award


The Outstanding Professional Award celebrates an IECA member who embodies excellence in the erosion and sediment control industry and is recognized by their peers as a leader through significant engagement with IECA. Recipients must be active members of IECA and participate in the 2025 IECA Annual Conference and Expo. Nominations are now open through 18 October 2024.

Judging Criteria

  • Demonstrated Leadership (15 points): How has the individual exhibited leadership qualities?
  • Peer Recognition (20 points): Are the individual's peers aware of and acknowledge their leadership contributions to IECA, as well as to the erosion and sediment control and stormwater professions? 
  • Contributions to IECA (15 points): Is the nominee known for their substantial contributions to IECA?
A total of 50 points are available. Nominations must achieve at least 50% of the available points in each judging criterion and at least 75% of the overall points to qualify for the award. Additional points are awarded for the number of years as an IECA member. 

Mandatory Content

  • Service and Contributions (Maximum 400 words): Describe the nominee’s service to IECA and their contributions to the erosion and sediment control industry.
  • Leadership Capacity (Maximum 200 words): Describe the nominee’s demonstrated leadership capacity.
  • Background Information (Maximum 800 words): Provide background information on the individual, similar to a professional resume or curriculum vitae. Include qualifications, involvement in the erosion and sediment control/stormwater industry, and both professional and personal accomplishments.
  • Professional References: Include two professional references. References cannot be from family members of the nominee. Awards committee representatives may contact the references during the review process.

Optional Content

Nominators may include optional content to highlight the nominee's attributes and further support the nomination. Optional content allows the nominator to strengthen the case for the award.

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Since 1995, my involvement in IECA activities has been pivotal in shaping my second career after retiring from the USDA-NRCS. The technology sessions, networking opportunities, and friendships I've built have been crucial to my success as an erosion and sediment control planner, inspector, and trainer.

Earl Norton, CPESC, CPAg, CCA Auburn, Alabama, USA