Howell Watson Distinguished Service Award
The Howell Watson Distinguished Service Award is the highest form of volunteer recognition given by SIOR. The award recognizes an individual's outstanding service to SIOR through exceptional volunteer leadership, participation and involvement in SIOR programs and activities, and contributions to the industry. It recognizes a member (or members) of SIOR renowned for extraordinary professional and personal qualities. Factors that may be considered in granting this award include leadership, integrity, service record, clear dedication to the principles of SIOR, and active participation at SIOR events at all levels.
This award was originally named after a distinguished leader of SIOR, Howell H. Watson. Unlike other SIOR awards, it is not presented annually. It is bestowed only when one member's accomplishments and contributions clearly stand out above all others. To preserve the prestigious nature of the award, it is ordinarily not presented more than once every few years.
The Past Presidents Advisory Council oversees administration of this award.
Criteria for Award
Recipients will be selected based primarily on their service to SIOR. Other contributions, such as industry and community involvement, may be considered. Any member, including Retired, will be eligible, but Past Presidents will be eligible only after they have been out of office for five years or more, and a major consideration will be their level of activity in, and contributions to, SIOR during the years following their presidency.
Nomination Process
Nominations for recipients will be sought with a
nomination form sent to the general membership, however, the award will only be given when it is deemed meritorious. The award will be presented at an SIOR Conference. Nominations will be vetted by the CEO and senior level staff. Final selection of a recipient rests solely with the Past Presidents Advisory Council.
The name of the recipient will be announced in advance via SIOR communications.
2016 J. Leonard Caldeira (posthumously)
2011 David T. Houston, Jr. (posthumously)
2009 Thomas E. McCormick III
2007 Herbert L. Krumsick
2004 Steven H. Podolsky
2000 Thomas W. Adler
1999 Evelyne Andretta (deceased)
1998 William D. Feldman
1997 Donald W. Schaumberger
1996 Sidney E. Gable
1995 H. Merrill Plaisted, III
1993 Peter O. Hanson
1992 George O. Bowles Sr. (deceased)
1990 Donald Hartman (deceased)
1987 Robert P. Boblett (deceased)
1986 Paul J. Pfister (deceased)