Awards

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.
 

2025 Dr. Richard J. Kramer, CEP Award for Environmental Excellence Recipient

 

Nick Owens, CEP


Nick Owens – Environmental Leader and Advocate for Responsible Energy Development
With nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of energy infrastructure development and environmental stewardship, Nick has earned a reputation as a thought leader in biodiversity, regulatory policy, and sustainable project design across the globe.

Beginning his journey in environmental science as a regional expert in the Midwest, Nick's early work focused on rare glacial drift hill prairies and freshwater mussel assemblages. His field research contributed valuable data to peer-reviewed journals and critical environmental assessments through programs such as the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Critical Trends Assessment Program.

Throughout his career, Nick has continuously evolved his impact, becoming a prominent voice in regulatory and legislative matters, particularly related to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. His strategic leadership in this space has preserved over $2.9 billion USD in value for major oil and gas companies by aligning environmental responsibility with business interests.

A passionate advocate for innovative conservation, Nick played a foundational role in launching the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative—a pioneering public-private partnership funded initially through Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. This collaboration with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has since catalyzed nearly $12 million USD in on-the-ground conservation across the ecologically sensitive Permian Basin.

Internationally, Nick has extended his expertise through leadership roles such as Chair of the Cross Sector Biodiversity Initiative (CSBI), where he coordinated biodiversity best practices among global trade organizations and financial institutions. As manager of the biodiversity and ecosystem services program for Anadarko’s $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, he led a 20+ person team to guide project design with ecological integrity, discover new species, and implement novel monitoring technologies—all while securing successful project financing.

A committed industry leader, Nick has recently completed his term as Chair of the NEPA Workgroup within the American Petroleum Institute (API), where he helped shape national regulatory strategy amidst sweeping environmental policy changes. His contributions span both offshore and onshore regulatory frameworks, from induced seismicity to marine mammal protection.

An active member of the Academy Board of Certified Environmental Professionals (ABCEP) for the past eight years, Nick has served on the Certification Review Board, mentored emerging professionals, and contributed to the refinement of certification standards—continuing a legacy of environmental excellence inspired by pioneers like Dr. Richard Kramer.
 

Previous recipients include:
2023 – Ronald E. Lamb, CEP Emeritus 
2022 – Dr. Terry Kuykendall, CEP – Environmental Assessment 
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.

 

2025 Emerging Environmental Professional Achievement Award Recipients

 

Lauren Schramm

Originally from Northern Vermont, Lauren Schramm holds a Bachelor's degree from Alfred University (NY) and a Master of Science from Clemson University. Her career began in a freshwater mussel lab in Texas, before relocating to Atlanta in 2017. There, she excelled as a project manager, leading a team of scientists on NEPA compliance for cell tower projects across 29 states.

Lauren now manages the NEPA team at Pond and Company, where she collaborates with multiple lead agencies. She played in leading a team involving GDOT that won the USDOT Modernizing NEPA Challenge. Beyond her role at Pond, Lauren is deeply engaged in the environmental profession—she leads the NAEP Technology Working Group and serves as the President of the Georgia Chapter of NAEP.


Previous recipients include: 
2024 – Kara Alexandra Dias, CEP-IT
2024 – Christina Omran, CEP-IT
2023 – Joshua Kunde, CEP-IT
2022 – Poonam Rameshbabu, CEP – Environmental Assessment 
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.