Awards
ALL NOMINATIONS EXTENDED TO MARCH 24, 2023
Dr. Richard J. Kramer, CEP Memorial Award for Environmental Excellence
The Dr. Richard J. Kramer, CEP Award for Environmental Excellence was established to nationally recognize extraordinary achievements of individuals in the environmental profession. The award, which was first presented in 2004, is open to all ABCEP members, and includes worldwide recognition, a 0.999 fine silver medallion and a laser-engraved birds-eye maple plaque. More details can be found here.
2022 Dr. Richard J. Kramer, CEP Award for Environmental Excellence Recipient
Dr. Terry Kuykendall, CEP
For 45 years Dr. Terry Kuykendall has dedicated his career to providing consulting services and support on a wide range of interrelated topics involving environmental management; environmental, safety and health (ES&H) analyses and assessments; ES&H program/project management; and direction of environmental engineering and technological assignments. He has stated that he believes his most significant contribution to the body of knowledge is the integration of environmental requirements and constraints into programs and design bases involving safety and security of high risk facilities. His major clients have included the Dept. of Energy National Laboratories, NASA installations, commercial nuclear power facilities, academic institutions, and international governments. He has been selected to participate in roles such as expert witness, subject matter expert, invited lecturer, adjunct professor, member and leader of review panels, and member of international consortiums. He has been responsible for the preparation and presentation of hundreds of related professional papers, presentations, studies, and technical documents. He has a master’s degree in environmental engineering, a PhD in systems engineering, and has been a CEP since 1992.
2020 – Kelly Lyles, CEP – Environmental Documentation
2019 – James Elliott, CEP – Environmental Assessment
2018 – Elizabeth 'Liz' Johnson, CEP – Environmental Documentation
2017 – Dr. Kris Thoemke, CEP – Environmental Planning
2016 – Jennifer Lundberg, CEP – Environmental Documentation
2015 – Gary F. Kelman, MS, CEP – Environmental Documentation
2014 - Heidi Pruess, CEP – Environmental Operations
2013 - Connie Chitwood, CEP – Environmental Documentation
2012 – Lori Cunniff, CEP – Environmental Documentation
2011 – Richard P. McGucken, CEP – Emeritus
2010 – Irving D. Cohen, CEP – Environmental Assessment
2009 – John J. Fittipaldi, CEP – Environmental Planning
2008 – Richard E. Burke, CEP – Environmental Documentation
2007 - Michael R. Herbaugh, CEP – Environmental Assessment
2006 - Audrey Binder, CEP – Environmental Planning
2005 – Norman Arnold, CEP – Environmental Documentation
2004 – Dr. Robert A. Michaels, CEP – Environmental Assessment
Emerging Environmental Professional Achievement
The Emerging Environmental Professional Achievement Award is specifically focused on recognizing those under 35 years of age who demonstrate superior leadership, professional involvement, commitment to foster environmental improvement, and actions to help make the world a better place for future generations. This award is open to any young professional, with the recipient being featured in the ABCEP and NAEP’s publications. The recipient will also be eligible to apply for certification as either a CEP-IT or CEP through ABCEP, and application fees to join ABCEP will be waived for the first year. More details can be found here.
2022 Emerging Environmental Professional Achievement Award Recipient
Poonam Rameshbabu, CEP
Poonam Rameshbabu has over 14 years of experience as an environmental professional. She is an Associate at The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. (MSG) and has been managing large complex projects for over 7 years with multi-disciplinary teams. She is an integral part of the geoenvironmental team, and works to identify strategic business opportunities in the Midwest.
Poonam holds a Bachelor’s in Applied Geophysics from Michigan Technological University, possesses a Graduate certificate in NEPA from Utah State University and is currently completing her Master’s in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Arizona. Poonam is a Project Management Professional, Certified Professional Geologist, and a Certified Environmental Professional.
Poonam is currently the project manager for the environmental owner’s representative contract with the Michigan Department of transportation for the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project.
Poonam has shown leadership qualities both within and outside her organization. She has been recognized professionally and was elected by her peers in Michigan to serve on the board of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) for 5 years. She also serves on the board of the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals (MAEP). Outside of her employment, Poonam strives to give back to her professional community. She volunteers her time with the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and ABCEP. As the chairperson of COMTO’s mentorship committee, Poonam is leading the creation of a mentoring program for young minority professionals in the transportation industry in Michigan. She also volunteers as a member of the certification review board (CRB) with ABCEP.
Previous recipients include: 2021 – Emily Gulick, CEP-IT
2020 – Siddharth (Sid) Rajmohan, CEP-IT
2019 – Maggi Young, CEP-IT
2018 – Nicolas Piane, CEP-IT
2017 – Tina McIntrye, CEP
2013 – Heather Rickleff, CEP-IT
Please contact ABCEPs Executive Administrator; send an e-mail to office@abcep.org if you have any questions about either award or their nominations process.
