Emerging Leader Awards


This award category recognizes Emerging Leaders under 40* in stormwater and erosion and/or sediment control projects, programs, or IECA support that demonstrates excellence in natural resource conservation and environmental protection. The recipient must be an active member of IECA and participate in the 2023 IECA Annual Conference and Expo. Please click here to access the nomination form. Nominations are due December 16, 2022.
* Nominee must be 39 or younger as of February 28th, 2023.

Judging Criteria

  • Identify how the individual has been active in the stormwater and erosion and/or sediment control industry:
    • Attended Emerging Leaders Alliance (ELA) Conference (10 points)
    • Published stormwater and erosion and/or sediment control article (5 points)
    • Speaker (10 points)
    • IECA Annual Conference or Regional Conference Participant (Student Moderator, Poster Session Participant) (5 points)
  • Is the nominee known for his/her contributions to IECA and his/her local chapter? (10 points)
  • Has the individual been recognized for their contributions to the erosion and sediment control and stormwater by other awards? (10 points)
Total of 50 points available. Nominations not achieving at least 50% of available points in each judging criterion and at least 75% of the overall points will not qualify for an award. Additional points awarded for number of years as a member of IECA.

Mandatory Content

  • Describe the nominee’s service to IECA and contributions to the erosion and sediment control industry. (Maximum 400 words)
  • Provide background information on the individual similar in content to a professional resume or curriculum vitae, including education, involvement in the erosion and sediment control/stormwater industry and accomplishments, both professional and personal. (Maximum 800 words)
  • Include two references from individuals knowledgeable about the nominee. References cannot be from an employee or family member of the nominee. Awards committee representatives may contact references during the review process.

Optional Content

The nominator may include optional content highlighting the attributes of the individual to supplement the mandatory content. The optional content is the nominator's opportunity to "make the case" for the nomination proposal for the award.

Please click here to access the nomination form.