In June, WPI launched our Professional Operator (PO) Campaign to encourage qualified operators to participate in our PO Program. WPI aimed to design a campaign reflective of an essential trait of the PO program: by operators, for operators. Our launch invited operators to nominate peers that they felt stood out from the crowd. Our team has met many qualified operators through our travels, but we can’t be everywhere all the time to find these exceptional candidates. With this campaign, we’ve been able to help dedicated operators continue their professional development. In the first three months of the campaign, we’ve had nine winners, all of whom have been nominated due to their outstanding dedication to industry best practices.
Read the testimonials that led to the selection of these operators below:
June Winners
Eric Hurley: “During my initial two months as an operator, Eric has significantly inspired me to pursue opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the water industry. His extensive knowledge and experience, often shared in response to fundamental inquiries, have consistently facilitated my understanding. From the outset of my career, I recognized Eric’s exceptional capabilities, and while he may not formally hold the title, I firmly believe he is the most deserving candidate for professional recognition.”
Larry Quattlebaum: “He has 40 years of experience as a wastewater operator. He excelled as my project manager at CWS and helped me through very difficult times. He’s a great teacher and is always there for you even after you no longer work for him!”
Cleo-Jerome Watson: “Cleo-Jerome exemplifies what it means to be a professional in the wastewater field. With strong leadership, he consistently sets a high standard for others, guiding his peers with integrity and accountability. His innovation and forward-thinking drive continuous improvement in operations, while his dedication to excellence and professionalism ensures that every task is executed to the highest standard. His commitment and character make him an outstanding candidate for recognition in this field.”
July Winners:
Ann Bibolet: “Ann brings a deep understanding of wastewater treatment processes and consistently demonstrates a strong drive to learn and adapt in support of process improvement. Her commitment to the industry is evident in both her work ethic and her ongoing pursuit of knowledge. Ann continues to exemplify the qualities of a dedicated and professional operator in every aspect of her career.”
Tyson Ernst: “He is proficient in both water and wastewater, but his specialty is in wastewater. He is currently positioning himself to take over the Supervisor position for the entire facility, which is both Water and Wastewater facilities here in Fallon, Nevada. He is the type of person we need in this industry.”
Delen Tusing: “[He] is currently working as a lab technician and WW operator and recently passed his Iowa Grade IV treatment exam. He is resourceful, effective, knowledgeable, and has a positive attitude. Delen is a great representative of a professional in the industry.”
August Winners:
Christopher Cohan: “Christopher is the definition of a rare talent in the wastewater operations industry. He consistently rises to every challenge, maintaining exceptional plant performance while addressing operational issues with skill and efficiency.
He holds a Grade II certification in both wastewater treatment and maintenance and has been recognized with some of the highest honors in the field, including Nevada Operator of the Year and the prestigious WEF Hatfield Award.
Chris is also a dedicated mentor, regularly training and guiding new operators. He exemplifies what it means to be a professional in this industry with qualities of knowledgeable, dependable, and committed to excellence.”Shawn Powell: “Shawn Powell is an exceptional operator whose dedication to water and wastewater operations extends far beyond his own role. He combines deep technical expertise with a true passion for protecting public health and ensuring compliance at the highest standards. Shawn’s leadership is evident not only in the way he manages operations but also in the way he shares his knowledge to strengthen the broader industry.
He consistently demonstrates a commitment to mentoring, training, and uplifting other professionals. Recently, Shawn volunteered his time to serve as a subject matter expert in a national strategy group designed to improve operator staffing, training, and retention. His willingness to share his insights on current challenges, certification requirements, and operational best practices reflects the character of someone who is dedicated to service and to the long-term success of this critical workforce.
Shawn embodies the very best qualities of a professional operator: technical excellence, leadership, and a spirit of collaboration. His work ensures that communities are safe, systems run efficiently, and the next generation of operators is better prepared. For these reasons, I believe he is highly deserving of recognition through this program.”Joseph Glean: “With 18 years of experience in the industry, active engagement in professional memberships, and advanced-level licensing credentials in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I see this program as a strategic opportunity to enhance my qualifications while helping shape the early adoption of this credential in our region. Participating now positions me as an early adopter and potential advocate, enabling me to share insights and encourage colleagues and peers to pursue this program, strengthening both individual careers and the broader wastewater treatment community.”
Looking towards the final two months of the campaign, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride in the accomplishments of the campaign so far, not just in our dedicated winners but also in all of those who have participated in the campaign. From the nominators who have shown enthusiasm in nominating their peers to all the nominees who have been considered thus far, it is clear there is no shortage of talent in the field. It has been moving to hear firsthand from mentees, colleagues, and friends about their confidence in their workforce leaders.
WPI is grateful to be able to give back to those who have given so much to their communities. For WPI staff who have been a part of the selection, reading through the dozens of entries has highlighted just how supportive this industry is. That alone has made it a success in our eyes. It has only added to the gratification to see this initiative elevate operators and extend the reach of the PO certification and designation.
With all of this being said, the campaign isn’t over yet! We are excited to keep reading your submissions. There are six winner slots left, and one of them could be you! Remember, even if you are not selected as a winner, all nominees will be the recipients of fee waivers, knocking 32% off our application fee from $145 to $99.
Nominate a deserving and qualified operator at this link.
