Awards
NORFMA Awards
Each year we honor outstanding individuals and teams in floodplain management at the fall conference. Please consider nominating a person or agency that inspires you in the survey below (member login required). The survey is open for nominations any time of the year.
Outstanding Individual in Floodplain Management
Honors an individual responsible for the development or implementation of a distinguished local program or activity, or who overcomes obstacles to champion sound floodplain management principles at the local level. Selection criteria will include the individual's role in the program or activity, level of innovation and collaboration, and the overall impact of the program.
Outstanding Community in Floodplain Management
Honors a local community (city, town, county, borough, tribe, etc.) with a program that demonstrates commitment and leadership in floodplain management through initiatives and projects that demonstrate vision or forward thinking toward floodplain management, bring resources together, partner with other organizations, or overcome obstacles to do the right thing. Selection criteria will include the community's leadership in the initiative or project, level of innovation and collaboration, and the overall impact that the initiative or project delivers.
Floodplain Professional of the Year
The Floodplain Professional of the Year Award recognizes a consultant or state or federal professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to advancing floodplain management and community resilience.
This award honors individuals who support communities through high-quality technical assistance, innovative problem-solving, and a strong commitment to reducing flood risk and protecting public safety. Recipients play a critical role in helping local jurisdictions navigate complex regulatory frameworks, including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Community Rating System (CRS), and evolving state and federal requirements.
Award recipients are recognized for excellence in areas such as hazard mitigation planning, floodplain mapping and analysis, policy and program development, permitting support, and implementation of resilience strategies. They are trusted partners to local agencies—bringing sound science, practical solutions, and a deep understanding of community needs for every project.
In addition to technical accomplishments, this award celebrates professionals who demonstrate collaboration, mentorship, and a commitment to strengthening the broader floodplain management community. Their work has a lasting impact by building local capacity, improving coordination across agencies, and advancing effective, implementation-focused flood risk reduction strategies.
Outstanding organization or agency in floodplain managemENT
Honors an organization or agency with a program or project that demonstrates commitment and leadership in floodplain management through initiatives that demonstrate vision or forward thinking toward floodplain management, bring resources together, partner with other organizations, or overcome obstacles to do the right thing. Selection criteria will include the organization’s leadership in the initiative, level of innovation and collaboration, and the overall impact that the initiative delivered.
Past award winners
2025 Winners
Outstanding Community in Floodplain Management:
Benton City, WA
Outstanding Individual in Floodplain Management:
Leni Crow, Cottage Grove, OR
2024 Winners
Outstanding Organization in Floodplain Management:
AtkinsRealis
Outstanding Individual in Floodplain Management:
Dennis Dixon, Pierce County, WA
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Darryl Hatheway, AECOM
2023 Winners
Outstanding Individual in Floodplain Management:
Tim Rubert, Thurston County, WA
2022 Winners
Outstanding Organization in Floodplain Management:
Washington State Department of Transportation
Outstanding Individual in Floodplain Management:
Toby Lewis, Tillamook County, OR
2019 Winners
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Steven Randolph, FEMA Region X
2018 Winners
Outstanding Individual in Floodplain Management:
Jordan Jobe, WSU
Outstanding Organization in Floodplain Management:
Pierce County, WA
