The Leeann Hanson Excellence in Management Award in recognition of Ms. Hanson’s three decades of service to the water and wastewater industry in the state of Maine. One of Leeann’s significant contributions was the development and growth of the JETCC Management Candidate School. Providing a critical training opportunity for those whose careers include a management role or who aspire to work in management, MCS has become an integral program for JETCC, with over 200 graduates, since its inception in 2009.
This award is intended to recognize a manager in the water and wastewater field who demonstrates commitment to their employees, their facility, and the water and wastewater community. Nominations are evaluated by the JETCC Board based on the merits of the nominee and the testimony of the person who has nominated them.
On Thursday, September 21st, Lou Colburn was presented with the Hanson Excellence in Management Award from the Maine Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee (JETCC). The award was presented during the Maine Water Environment Association (MEWEA) Fall Convention at Sunday River.
Lou has dedicated almost 45 years of service to the wastewater treatment profession at the Brewer Water Pollution Control Facility. During his tenure, staff at the Brewer WPCF, inone way or another, has been affected by Lou's leadership. Lou has filled various positions critical to the operation of the facility. He has been an operator, the Pretreatment Program Coordinator, the Chief Operator, and even served as Interim Director of Environmental Services.
Lou's crew states, "Leadership is part of what Lou does, and he has mentored many employees here in Brewer. He brings decades of experience in wastewater and has seen countless operators through their initial training and career advancement. We can all agree that Lou Colburn embodies leadership, service, employee relations, and ethics. No one lasts as long as he has in wastewater without those qualities."