Dave Ford Award

Ceil Strauss is the Minnesota State Floodplain Manager. Ceil has been in the Floodplain Program at Minnesota DNR since 2002 and worked with the Minnesota DNR an additional 14 years, mainly as an Area Hydrologist in the western Twin Cities area. She is past chair of the national Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM).

Before coming to DNR, Ceil spent over three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya (East Africa) working with farmers on building ponds and raising tilapia. She has a BA in biology from Lawrence University (Wisconsin) and an MS in water resources management from the University of Michigan.

Randy Neprash is a retired stormwater regulatory specialist at Stantec and staffed the Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition (MSCS) from 2002 to 2023. Randy has worked tirelessly to advance the work of stormwater professionals and the interests of the MS4-permitted cities in Minnesota, making Minnesota a national leader in stormwater management.

In 2001-2002, Randy created the NPDES Guide Plan in conjunction with the League of Minnesota Cities to help cities comply with their MS4 permit requirements. As MSCS staff, Randy played a key role in several major initiatives, including Minnesota’s Minimal Impact Design Standards, the creation of the Minnesota Stormwater Steering Committee, originating Clean Water Fund support for stormwater research, and forming the National Municipal Stormwater Coalition. Randy also provided formal comments on state and federal rules, MS4 permit issues, and TMDLs. He was a key voice in raising the issue of PAH contaminated pond sediments, leading to ban on coal tar-based sealcoating in Minnesota.

For decades, Randy has consistently provided quality guidance on compliance with complex regulations and support for local communities seeking to improve water resources through implementation of stormwater best practices while at the same time advocating for the advancement of new technologies, cutting edge research, and common-sense policy to make stormwater compliance and BMP implementation easier and more effective. Randy’s efforts have resulted in real and lasting improvements to water quality and quality of life in communities throughout the state.

Joe Magner is a research professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota. From 1981 to 2013, Joe served the people of Minnesota at the Pollution Control Agency.  As a hydrologist and research scientist, Joe led dozens of projects that developed and provided tools, guidance, modeling approaches and research findings, which have been instrumental in establishing multiple programs.  

His work at the MPCA shaped Clean Water Partnership diagnostic studies, stream restoration plans, surface water/ground water interaction assessments, best management practices (BMPs) for nonpoint source pollution, watershed assessments for TMDLs, and stream morphology improvement methods for channel stability.  Joe was the chief architect for program development of Biological Stressor BMP implementation strategies, which continue to be foundational for local watershed science and planning.  Joe has boldly and innovatively pioneered several areas of research and development, from the deformed frog scientific assessments to multi-stage ditch systems.  

But perhaps Joe’s biggest contribution while working with the MPCA and beyond relates to his mentoring of developing scientists.  Joe has helped countless people to grow in their fields of expertise, from state and federal agency scientists, to local watershed staff, to students.  In his roles at the MPCA Watershed Division, Joe oversaw and reviewed the work of several interdisciplinary teams, teaching and explaining things to help others in the watershed profession.  Joe’s collaborative approaches have not stopped at the Minnesota borders, but have extended to other states and nations.  Joe leads with patience and humility, and makes people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities, feel equally valued and important.

John Nieber has a record of outstanding achievements in the management of water resources. This record includes significant contributions in teaching, research, and public service. As a professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, John has served as teacher and mentor for hundreds of students. His pedagogical approach blends theoretical rigor with the realities of complex watersheds. John has provided invaluable leadership in the Water Resources Science graduate program serving as the Director of Graduate Studies. The breadth of his research is amazing, with projects ranging from the determination of water storage volume across Minnesota landscapes to the rigorous analysis of "fingering" caused by instabilities in unsaturated flows. John has been a leader in establishing professional registration for hydrologists. He has served on the Executive Committee and as President of the American Institute of Hydrology. John's collaborative leadership has resulted in strong working relationships with professionals working in academe, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and consulting firms. He has inspired us to reach higher and work smarter.

Mark Doneux has dedicated his career to protecting Minnesota waters. Mark is an innovator who has, alongside of partners and staff, led cutting edge projects including rainwater harvesting and reuse at CHS and Allianz Fields; shared stormwater systems at Highland Bridge that capture and clean 64 million gallons of runoff annually; rain gardens, stormwater planters, and the country’s longest integrated tree trench system along University Avenue; and CRWD’s LEED Gold building in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul.

As leader of the most densely populated and diverse watershed district in Minnesota, Mark led CRWD to create its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan. This work has resulted in significant changes to hiring, contracting, professional development offerings, and community engagement. During Mark’s tenure, CRWD also created a Watershed Artist in Residence Program that has resulted in engaging residents in new and creative ways.

Mark’s involvement as chair of the Water Environment Federation and Central States Water Environment Association Stormwater Committees ensures Minnesota innovations influence practitioners across the country and brings new ideas back to local professionals. Mark also served as co-chair of the Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) committee that brought forth a recommendation for a statewide 1.1-inch volume reduction standard and the MIDS Calculator.

Mark’s greatest legacy will be the impact he’s left on people he’s mentored, ensuring they have the tools necessary to achieve goals, supporting their advancement into leadership roles, and trusting them to do quality work and create lasting relationships.

Andrea Hendrickson has been a leader and innovator in transportation hydraulics for over 35 years. Andrea received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota, while working as a teaching assistant and research assistant. She started with the Minnesota Department of Transportation in 1985 as a Graduate Engineer and was the State Hydraulics Engineer from 2004 to 2022. Andrea was responsible for the standards, specifications, and guidelines used for the design and construction of bridges, culverts, and storm drain systems. These standards and guidelines are used by many agencies, providing the backbone for transportation drainage statewide. Andrea has been the go-to person for water resources issues at MnDOT. She was consistently asked to field questions, review and resolve disputes, and provide technical guidance on complex drainage matters.

Her reach and influence extend well beyond MnDOT. She championed and has been a panel member for numerous State and National research projects in bridge scour, asset management, Midwest region Atlas 14 and climate resilience. Andrea is a committed mentor and advisor and is a strong booster of the Graduate Engineer and Civil Engineering Internship programs at MnDOT. Andrea has developed and mentored an accomplished support staff, some of which are experienced technical experts and department leaders themselves.

Rebecca Flood has effectively partnered at all levels during her 40-year career protecting and improving Minnesota’s water resources, while exhibiting compassion, credibility, critical-thinking, collaboration and generosity. Rebecca served from 2008–2018 as Assistant Commissioner for Water Policy at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. She chaired the Clean Water Fund Interagency Coordination Team and served as state representative on the EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force and Association of Clean Water Administrators.

Rebecca is currently a post-retirement manager at Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES), where she also served from 1978–2008, much of that time as Environmental Compliance Manager. She was critical in the complicated process of decommissioning multiple small, noncompliant municipal wastewater treatment plants, and creating MCES’s effective regional wastewater system. She was instrumental in negotiating effluent phosphorus permits for this system, resulting in cost-effectiveness and a phosphorus removal rate above 80%. She also worked collaboratively and respectfully to resolve dewatering permit issues between MCES and the DNR—balancing protection of treatment plant infrastructure with impact to the Seneca Fen. Rebecca has been a most generous mentor. Many water professionals, especially women, currently stepping up to leadership roles in water resources have relied on Rebecca for trusted guidance.

A long-time hydrologist for the State of Minnesota, Mike Trojan is responsible for maintaining the Minnesota Stormwater Manual at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Mike’s work on the manual and his engagement with practitioners will have lasting impacts on stormwater management in Minnesota. Through laborious effort, the manual was converted from an 850-page document into an accessible and searchable online format. It has become a widely used source in Minnesota and beyond, earning a reputation for the depth and quality of its content. To keep the manual current, Mike has overseen, and stays actively engaged with, stormwater research to identify and incorporate the latest findings. He also developed digital tools such as the Minimal Impact Design Standards calculator and provides updates to them through the online manual. Mike’s impact on the stormwater community goes well beyond content creation, however. Through training, presentations, and discussion forums, he seeks input to ensure the manual is relevant for practitioners. His work has been accomplished with honesty, scientific integrity, openness, inclusion, and a self-deprecating style of humor that draws out diverse perspectives. Along the way, Mike has been a treasured mentor to those who work around him.

A longtime professor and administrator at the University of Minnesota, Deborah (Deb) Swackhamer was among the leading voices in the nation at the intersection of science, policy, and water resources. She conducted influential scientific work on the behavior of organic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In the broader water resources community, she is remembered for her advocacy of scientific integrity and for incorporating science-based knowledge into policy making. This work elevated her to numerous leadership roles at the state, national, and international levels. During her career, Deb mentored students and young faculty and ardently supported them, challenging them to conduct rigorous science, guiding them to successful careers and connecting them with colleagues in her network.

Bruce Montgomery has made singular contributions to address agricultural effects on water resources. Starting as the sole employee of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Management Section in 1990, Bruce had raised the program to national prominence by the time he retired in 2018. Known for his ability to share his knowledge in a clear and engaging manner, he is a strong advocate of a science-based approach to problem solving. He played a key role in developing several programs including the Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan and the Manure Testing Laboratory Certification Program.

Bruce has helped shape the careers of countless professionals within and beyond Minnesota. In a technical field that tends to be male-dominated, Bruce managed a team of nearly 40% women. Many of his team members continue to rise in positions of leadership, continuing his legacy of science-based decision making and professionalism. Those who have worked for and with Bruce are grateful for his vision, skills, commitment, support, and mentorship.

Al Kean has been the consummate professional in his over 40-year career. He started as a hydraulic engineer at the US Army Corps of Engineers and then served as chief engineer at the Board of Water and Soil and Resources from 1992 until his retirement in 2019. In addition to overseeing numerous water resource protection projects across the state, he led the Minnesota Drainage Work Group and made major contributions to the Technical and Scientific Advisory Committee for the Red River Flood Damage Reduction Work Group.

Al has guided many young engineers and hydrologists, always ready to listen and offer thoughtful guidance when asked. Many professionals and policy makers relied on him to gain an understanding of water resource problems in order to make effective management decisions. Al’s tireless dedication to his craft and unmatched work ethic were an inspiration to all and leave a lasting legacy to the understanding, appreciation, and protection of Minnesota’s water resources.

• Suzanne Jiwani, 2018
• Dan R. Engstrom, 2017
• Kent Johnson, 2017
• Cliff Aichinger, 2016
• Bruce Wilson (Respec), 2015
• Roland Sigurdson, 2014
• John Gulliver, 2013
• Barbara Liukkonen, 2012
• Timothy Scherkenbach, 2011
• Nels Nelson, 2010
• James L. Anderson, 2009
• Steve Heiskary, 2008
• Patrick Brezonik, 2007
• Ron Harnack, 2006
• Marcel Jouseau, 2005
• Heinz G. Stefan, 2003

• Ron Nargang, 1999
• Howard Midje, 1992
• Peter Fischer, 1991
• Ed Bowers, 1987
• Earl Kuehnast, 1986