Each year, the Florida Association for Water Quality Control seeks nominations for recipients of two distinguished service awards: the Sam Zamani Unsung Hero Award and the Wade Hopping Leadership Award. The criteria for these awards are presented below. The awards will be presented at the upcoming annual conference in Naples, Florida. To nominate an individual for an award, complete the form following the descriptions of the awards.

Sam Zamani Unsung Hero Award

The award is given annually to recognize and acknowledge a person who has made a substantive yet unrecognized contribution in managing, improving, and protecting the quality of Florida’s waters.  Each nominee will be judged on three primary factors:

1. An outstanding professional that has made significant contributions above and beyond his/her position where they have been employed
2. Has positively influenced a water program or organization from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.
3. Has generally shunned the limelight to focus attention on the success of a water program or organization.

In addition, the FAWQC Award Selection Committee will give preference to those that have supported FAWQC as a volunteer, director, or officer.  

Wade Hopping Leadership Award

The award is given annually to recognize and acknowledge exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact on managing, improving, and protecting the quality of Florida’s waters.  Each nominee will be judged on three primary factors:

1. Leadership in the organizations where they have been employed;
2. Leadership in the organizations where they have volunteered; and,
3. Leadership in influencing change or new directions in management, improvement, and protection of Florida’s water resources.

In addition, the FAWQC Award Selection Committee will also look for evidence that supports:

• Leadership in overseeing water policy
• Leadership in a professional association or society
• Leadership in FAWQC
• Leadership in the creation of knowledge and collaborative work in the management, improvement, and protection of the quality of Florida’s waters.