The association honored individuals in two categories:
Industry Achievement Award
The Industry Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose career demonstrates outstanding contributions to the advancement of the irrigation industry, products, practices, education, research or professionalism.
- Vince Nolletti, Paige Electric Co. (Fresno, California)
Nolletti is recognized for his contributions to the industry, which include introducing the first commercially available microprocessor-based irrigation controllers, the KCS system, and increasing awareness of best management practices for electrical aspects of irrigation systems.
Person of the Year Award
Established in 1952, this honor is awarded to a person outside of the commercial irrigation industry who has made outstanding contributions toward the acceptance of sound irrigation practices or policies. Award recipients receive a lifetime technical membership to the Irrigation Association.
- David Zoldoske, PhD, CID, Center for Irrigation Technology, California State University, Fresno
Dr. Zoldoske has been a leader in the irrigation industry for many years — both at the national and international level. Some of his most notable contributions include serving as project director for the establishment of the Zimbabwe Irrigation Technology Center and representing the United States in the development of international equipment standards.As the director of the Center for Irrigation Technology, Dr. Zoldoske has established the center as an internationally renowned irrigation testing facility — a facility that is now the primary testing lab for WaterSense-labeled irrigation products. He also served on the IA Executive Committee for five years and was president from 2004 to 2005.
