News Release

Awards Given for Commitment to Conservation

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) hosted a conservation awards program to acknowledge efforts of individuals to further the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis. The Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award, Conservation District Employee Excellence Award, and the PACD President's Award were presented on July 26 in State College, PA.

The Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award is given to a conservation district director or associate director for his or her outstanding volunteer efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis. The 2006 award was presented to Malcolm Crooks, director at the Bucks County Conservation District.

PACD President Victor Cappucci presenting the Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award to Malcolm Crooks.

The Conservation District Employee Excellence Award is given to a conservation district employee for his or her outstanding efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis. The award was presented to Dan Greig, manager of the Chester County Conservation District.

PACD President Victor Cappucci presenting the Conservation District Employee Excellence Award to Dan Greig.

The PACD President's Award -was selected by PACD President Victor Cappucci. The award is given to an individual, organization, or agency for their outstanding efforts that have resulted in furthering the accomplishments of the non-profit organization, PACD. President Cappucci presented the award to the PACD Staff. The Harrisburg office includes Kathleen Banski, director of administration/education; Molly Burns, administrative assistant; Susan Marquart, executive director; Kim Mumper, education specialist; Brenda Shambaugh, government relations/policy specialist; Lisa Jo Suhr, office manager; and Shannon Wehinger, communication specialist. PACD also employs six engineering staff in technical centers across the state. They include: Justin Griebel, conservation technician in the Clarion office; Eric Robertson, conservation engineer and Phillip Gardner, conservation technician in the Somerset office; John Coleman, conservation engineering specialist and Owen Hess, conservation technician in the Bloomsburg office; and Frank Harvatine, conservation technician in the Lebanon office.

PACD President Victor Cappucci with PACD's Harrisburg Office and Engineering Staff.

Congratulations to all of the award recipients on their commitment to conservation in Pennsylvania. PACD, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization representing Pennsylvania's 66 conservation districts. For more information on the PACD Conservation Awards Program or soil and water conservation visit http://www.pacd.org/about/award_progr.htm.

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