Recognizing NPB Members
The NPB seeks to recognize excellence in the work of our members and other employees of our member agencies. Each year the NPB seeks nominations from each region for three awards.
APHIS Administrator Award
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2025 Recipient: Charles Elhard, North Dakota
The APHIS Administrator award is an annual award established in 2007 and presented by APHIS at the National Plant Board (NPB) Annual Meeting. The purpose of this award is to recognize significant contributions in the plant health arena by NPB members or their representatives in dealing with a current plant health issue (occurring within the past 24 months). Matthew Rhoads, USDA APHIS PPQ Associate Deputy Administrator, (right) presents Charles Elhard (left) with the 2025 APHIS Administrator Award. |
Carl E. Carlson Distinguished Award in Regulatory Plant Protection
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The 2025 award was presented to New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets & Food Plant Industry Division Invasive Species Coordinator Douglas Cygan.
The purpose of Carl E. Carlson Distinguished Award in Regulatory Plant Protection is to recognize and honor individuals that have distinguished themselves in the field of regulatory plant protection through service and contributions made at the field level. Those who have consistently upheld the principles of plant protection and quarantine and the ideals of the National Plant Board (NPB) in serving those citizens and industries regulated. The award was established in 1994 in remembrance of Carl E. Carlson, State Entomologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship from 1979 to 1992. The award is sponsored by Corteva through the Central Plant Board. The award consists of an inscribed plaque and $250.00. The award is presented each year at the annual meeting of National Plant Board. |
NPB President's Partnership Award
2025 NPB President Mia Kirk, AK, (right) presents the NPB President's Partnership to Daniel Jehll (left), Senior CBP Agriculture Operations Manager on behalf of Kevin Harriger.
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2025 Recipient: Kevin Harriger, Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The NPB President's Partnership Award was established in 2007 by then-president Ken Rauscher of Michigan. Selected by the National Plant Board President, the award recipient is recognized for outstanding contribution to National Plant Board during the President's term. Past recipients have included individuals from within National Plant Board, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Customs and Border Protection, Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS), as well as outside organizations. |
NPB President's Leadership Award
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2025 Recipient: Chris Benemann, Oregon
The NPB President's Leadership Award was established in 2023 by Steven Long of South Carolina. Selected by the National Plant Board President, the award recipient is recognized for their leadership within the National Plant Board and the industry. 2025 NPB President Mia Kirk, AK, (right) presents the NPB President's Leadership Award to Chris Benemann, OR, (left) |
Outstanding PPQ/ NPB Committee Award
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2025 Recipient: New Pest Detections
The NPB President’s Outstanding PPQ/ NPB Committee was established in 2024 by Mia Kirk of Alaska. "This award honors the collaborative efforts of the NPB/PPQ committee, whose dedication and teamwork on a complex project led to the successful delivery of a high-quality outcome." Recipients:
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Outstanding Team Performance Award
2025 Recipient: Slow the Spread Foundation Officers
The NPB President’s Outstanding Team Performance Award was established in 2024 by Mia Kirk of Alaska. "With nominations from fellow NPB members, the NPB President recognizes a team whose outstanding commitment and resilience stood out during demanding conditions."
2025 Recipients: Kimberly Thielen (MN), Joy Goforth (NC), Carl Harper (KY) and Georgia Brock (NC)
The NPB President’s Outstanding Team Performance Award was established in 2024 by Mia Kirk of Alaska. "With nominations from fellow NPB members, the NPB President recognizes a team whose outstanding commitment and resilience stood out during demanding conditions."
2025 Recipients: Kimberly Thielen (MN), Joy Goforth (NC), Carl Harper (KY) and Georgia Brock (NC)
NASDA Honor Award, James A. Graham Award for Outstanding Service to Agriculture
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2025 Recipient: Katie Howard, Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Since 1972, NASDA has conducted an annual honor awards program for employees of the state departments of agriculture. It has become an important part of the annual meeting program and gives recognition to outstanding professionals who work for NASDA members. |
NPB Retiree Recognition & Notice of Passing
In an effort to recognize past National Plant Board members, USDA State Plant Health Directors, and other state and federal employees and cooperators, the NPB Awards Committee requests information on the retirements or deaths that have occurred since the previous NPB Annual Meeting, from NPB members each year. You may send this information to the National Plant Board Executive Administrator at [email protected].