DES MOINES - This week the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) awarded Laurie Sharp, head of the DNR Operator Certification Program with the 2018 Certification Program Award.
The DNR’s Operator Certification Program was awarded for its tradition of integrity, stakeholder involvement and outreach, consultation and implementation with industry Model Standards, and leadership and interaction with ABC.
“Iowa has always been a leader in the maintenance of a strong, industry-driven Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Program,” said Chuck Gipp, Director of the DNR. “This is rooted in our state’s understanding that a competent, properly trained operator is the single most important factor in the protection of our public’s health, the environment and Iowa’s water infrastructure. And we commend Laurie and are grateful for the outstanding work she has done.”
Through Sharp’s leadership, the DNR’s program has developed an online operator database connected to the State Drinking Water Information System, set up an online exam process at the DNR field offices and headquarters, implemented 5-year Iowa operator certification strategic plans, and continues to improve operator training and continuing education processes.
The Certification Program Award is presented to an ABC member certifying authority in recognition of outstanding contribution toward establishing or advancing the certification of environmental professionals.