John P. Fraser Emissary Award ACWA’s John P. Fraser Emissary Award recognizes individual ACWA member volunteers who have made remarkable and visible contributions to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California by participating in, supporting and advancing ACWA’s goals. Individuals demonstrate leadership in the course of service on ACWA committees; advocacy / outreach at local, state and / or federal levels; and commitment of time and expertise for the benefit of an ACWA program or issue. Apply for this Award Please use the John P. Fraser Emissary Award Guidelines and Nomination Form to apply for this award. The nomination period for 2026 is now open. Nominations must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 1 to be considered. Award Criteria All nominees should exemplify ACWA’s primary mission of assisting in promoting the development, management and reasonable beneficial use of water in an environmentally balanced manner. Efforts must be tangible and clearly identifiable. Eligibility and Nomination Process Any ACWA committee member, ACWA region board member or ACWA Board member who is employed by an ACWA public agency member is eligible to nominate any staff, consultant or board member of an ACWA public agency member. Individuals who have previously served on any ACWA committee, ACWA region board or the ACWA Board of Directors may also submit a nomination. Past award recipients are not eligible for the award. Those who have been nominated previously but not selected may be nominated again. Qualified nominations not selected to receive the award will automatically be re-entered into the competition for the following two years, unless they are withdrawn by the nominator. Nomination Requirements Nominations must include: A brief narrative (300 words or less) describing the contributions and efforts made by the nominee including the tangible results of his or her efforts Specific ACWA involvement must be identified The narrative should also identify groups or outcomes influenced or impacted by the nominee’s enthusiasm and commitment. A completed nomination form and a professional photograph of the nominee (high resolution electronic format preferred) must accompany each narrative Selection Process The selection committee will consist of one designee from each of ACWA’s standing (limited) committees. The selection committee will review the nominations and select the outstanding nominee. Qualified nominations not selected to receive the award will automatically be reentered into the competition for the following two years, unless they are withdrawn by the nominator. If after reviewing the nominations the selection committee determines there are no qualified nominations, the award will not be presented that year Award Presentation The award recipient will be announced and highlighted during the ACWA Fall Conference and profiled in ACWA News, in a statewide press release and other ACWA communication vehicles. Past Winners Cristel Tufenkjian, McMullin Area Groundwater Sustainability Agency (2025) Charles Gibson, Santa Margarita Water District (2024) Edgar Dymally, Metropolitan Water District (2023) Anjanette Shadley, Western Canal Water District (2022) Larry McKenney, Amador Water Agency (2021) Paul Jones, Eastern Municipal Water District (2020) Kathleen Tiegs, Cucamonga Valley Water District (2019) John Woodling, Regional Water Authority (2018) Robert Roscoe, Sacramento Suburban Water District (2017) Kathy Cole, ACWA State Legislative Committee Chair (2016) Paul M. Bartkiewicz, ACWA State Legislative Committee Chair (2015) Bette Boatmun, ACWA Past President (2014) Marion Ashley, ACWA Local Government Committee Chair (2013) Chet Anderson, ACWA Safe Drinking Water Subcommittee (2012) Greg Zlotnick, Zlotnick H2O Consulting (2011) David Orth, Kings River Conservation District (2010) Randy Fiorini, Turlock Irrigation District (2009) Jess Senecal, Senecal, Bradley, Gosney & Kruse (2008) Gary Arant, Valley Center Municipal Water District (2007) Bob Maddow, Bold, Polisner, Maddow, Nelson & Judson (2006)
