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Planning & Management Distinguished Individual Achievement Award

The Planning & Management Distinguished Individual Achievement Award recognizes efforts by individual SWANA members for service to the Technical Division, support of the mission of SWANA to advance the practice of municipal solid waste management, and overall long-term service to the waste and resource management industry. 

Submission Criteria

Award winners will be selected by the division's Awards Committee. The following will be taken into consideration during the selection process: 

  1. Service to the Technical Division: Nominee is a current member of the Technical Division, has served in one or more leadership positions in the division, and has actively participated in division committees.
  2. Support of SWANA Mission: Nominee is an active member of their chapter and may have served on the SWANA Board of Directors, Advisory Board, or other national or chapter committees.
  3. Contributions to the Solid Waste Management Field and Other Factors: Nominee work includes active roles and responsibilities in this sector of solid waste management and demonstrates strong character through their activities throughout the industry. 

Award Criteria

The Planning & Management Technical Division Awards Committee established categories by which nominees will be evaluated.

  • Contributions to the Solid Waste Management Field and Other Factors

    • Integrated Solid Waste Management Roles and Responsibilities: Activities such as participation in public/citizen activities associated with the planning and implementation of solid waste programs, active membership in environmental organizations, and corresponding and parallel work in another practice.
    • Broader Character of Candidates:  Participation in activities that are not associated with their livelihood such as membership, active participation, and contributions in civic, political, religious, non-profit, educational, environmental, youth, or charitable organizations.
    • Planning and Management-Related Presentations to Other Organizations:  Contributions of candidates that help promote an understanding about planning and management with other organizations.

  • Support of SWANA Mission

    Active involvement in the work of SWANA is essential for candidates. The following criteria will be used in evaluating a candidate’s support of the SWANA mission:

    • SWANA Membership:  Extended membership in SWANA will be given favorable consideration.
    • Chapter Support:  Chapters are an essential part of the SWANA mission. A SWANA Member automatically is a member of the local SWANA Chapter. Active participation in Chapter activities is considered a valuable part of the contributions of a SWANA member to the SWANA mission.
    • International SWANA Support (International Board, other SWANA Divisions, Committees): The success of SWANA depends on a vital and active voluntary membership. Candidate involvement in SWANA activities other than chapters or Planning and Management Technical Division will be given favorable consideration.

  • Service to the Industry

    • Professional Contributions (international, national, local):  Note measurable professional contributions to the field of integrated solid waste management. Contributions might be participation in international organizations, the development of theories, applications of theories, new equipment or techniques that have been adopted in practice, membership and leadership in other professional organizations that help advance professional and ethical practices in a chosen field of endeavor.
    • Advocacy Work (legislative, regulatory, other):  Note valued and measurable contributions by a candidate to the advancement of management at professional, local, state, provincial, national or international levels. Examples would include serving on advisory committees in legislative, regulatory, educational, or professional development, advancement or implementation of:
    • Standards, regulations, and legislation
    • Codes or guidelines for good practice
    • Educational curriculum
    • Public education
    • Similar efforts

  • Service to Employer

    The Awards Committee favors candidates who have demonstrated, on a long-term basis, significant contributions to the success of their employer(s). Each of the criteria listed that can be demonstrated to that measure will enhance a candidate’s consideration.

    • Work History:  The Awards Committee will look for measurable contributions by candidates with each of their employers. Measurable growth through a progressive increase in either management or responsibilities will be given favorable consideration. An unblemished technical and professional career is a necessity for any successful candidate.
    • Other Employer-Related Service:  Note service to an employer that might not be planning and management-related but was important to the economic and business success of an employer.

  • Service to the Planning & Management Technical Division

    • Indicate years actively involved in the Planning and Management Technical Division.
    • Committee Service:  Noted, serious, and extended participation in one or more committees of the Planning and Management Technical Division. This could include active and measurable contributions such as drafting materials for a committee, providing comments and reviews of committee materials, or reviewing award nominations or program proposals.
    • Division/Committee Leadership:  List service in leadership roles (director, chairs/vice-chairs, committee chair or vice-chair).
    • Former SWANA Conference Attendance:  List both attendance and participation as a speaker at SWANA conferences, which could include serving as a faculty member in SWANA training courses.

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