2023 SDAO Awards Program Award Recipients

Outstanding Special District Program Award
Special districts are recognized for innovative projects and programs, outstanding safety, public information, public involvement in a district decision-making process, and outstanding achievement.

• 5 or Fewer Employees:  White River Health District – Awards Video
• 26 or More Employees:  Deschutes Public Library – Awards Video

Outstanding Special District Service Award
This category recognizes an individual board member, manager, staff member, or volunteer who has contributed substantially to the improvement and successful operation of his or her district.

• Board Member:  John Dunn, Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority – Awards Video
• Manager: Bev Bridgewater, West Extension Irrigation District – Awards Video
• Employee:  Rob Cummings, Clackamas River Water – Awards Video
• Volunteer: Sunriver Public Safety Building Task Force, Sunriver Service District – Awards Video

Legislative Leadership Award
This award recognizes a member of Oregon’s legislature who has consistently gone above and beyond for Oregon’s special districts. 

• Senator Cedric Hayden – Awards Video

2022 SDAO Awards Program Award Recipients

Howard Terpenning Lifetime Achievement Award
The Howard Terpenning Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has shown an outstanding commitment to Oregon special districts and to SDAO.

• Clark Balfour, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue – Awards Video

Outstanding Special District Program Award
Special districts are recognized for innovative projects and programs, outstanding safety, public information, public involvement in a district decision-making process, and outstanding achievement.

• 6-25 Employees:  Canby Fire District – Awards Video
• 26 or More Employees:  North County Recreation District – Awards Video

Outstanding Special District Service Award
This category recognizes an individual board member, manager, staff member, or volunteer who has contributed substantially to the improvement and successful operation of his or her district.

• Board Member:  Jerry Enman, Klamath Irrigation District – Awards Video
• Manager:  Chief Joshua Williams, Aurora Fire District – Awards Video
• Employee:  Barbara McCann, North County Recreation District – Awards Video
• Volunteer:  Wayne Austen, Canby Fire District – Awards Video

Congressional Leadership Award
This award recognizes a member of Oregon’s delegation to Congress who has consistently gone above and beyond for Oregon’s special districts. 

• Congressman Peter DeFazio – Awards Video

Congressman DeFazio has been a longtime supporter of the SDAO’s diverse membership. In particular, he has been a partner and leader for infrastructure and transportation-related projects across the state and has been instrumental in securing critical funding for several of Oregon’s special districts.

Extraordinary Staff Service Award
This award was created by the SDAO Board of Directors to recognize an SDAO staff member that has gone above and beyond for our members.

• Jason Jantzi, SDAO Risk Management Consultant