At the 2023 National Education Conference (NEC), The IR-4 Project honored 23 teammates in four award categories, recognizing the immense talent that powers our progress. These internal awards recognize outstanding service at both the regional and national levels. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!
NATIONAL RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE
ABOUT THE AWARD
The National Award of Excellence was awarded to field researchers, lab researchers, and quality assurance professionals who go above and beyond to keep operations moving. Nominations were brought by regional leadership teams, and recipients were selected by IR-4 leadership These three recipients demonstrate outstanding achievements well beyond normal job performance, resulting in a significant positive impact on the IR-4 Project. The National Recognition of Excellence is given once every three years at the NEC.
2023 RECIPIENTS
Daniel J. Heider
Dan Heider was nominated for the National Recognition of Excellence by the IR-4 North Central Region. Heider has been the primary researcher for hemp, peppermint, and cranberry, and other key crops for his region. Heider’s colleagues commend his dedicated work ethic, as well as his gift for leadership and mentoring. Thank you Dan Heider for your 25+ years of service to IR-4, and congratulations on this achievement!
Sherita Normington
Sherita Normington is celebrated by her IR-4 Western Region colleagues for providing invaluable insight into Good Laboratory Practices in her role as QA Auditor, raising the bar for field practices and study quality. Normington is noted for her helpfulness, leadership, and accuracy. She has even been dubbed “Eagle Eye” by her peers, who can always count on her to catch issues in reports. Thank you for more than a decade of service in QA, and congratulations on this achievement, Sherita Normington!
Wilfredo Robles Vasquez
Wilfredo Robles Vasquez was nominated for the National Recognition of Excellence by IR-4’s Southern Region. Director of IR-4’s research center at the University of Puerto Rico since 2013, Robles Vasquez has been the principal investigator for over 100 IR-4 trials to date, supporting many tolerances and registrations. He is a strong advocate for growers, and serves as a state liaison in the Southern Region. His passion for agricultural research, education, and social engagement make Robles Vasquez an inspiration to his students and colleagues. Thank you for your service and leadership, Wilfredo Robles Vasquez!
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS
ABOUT THE AWARD
Meritorious Service Awards were given to recipients in each of the four regions, USDA-ARS, and HQ in acknowledgment of special service to IR-4, innovation in program development and implementation, and scientific merit encompassing IR-4 contributions. Award recipients are selected, and awards are given, annually.
2023 RECIPIENTS
Leona Horst (ARS)
Tamara M. Snipes (ARS)
Megan James Hickman (Northeast Region)
Jane Forder (Northeast Region & Headquarters)
Blair Harlan (North Central Region)
Victor Bauder (Southern Region)
Kathleen Knight (Southern Region)
Julie Coughlin (Western Region)
Riza Punongbayan (Western Region)
Cristina Marchesan Marconi (Headquarters)
TECHNICAL SERVICE AWARDS
ABOUT THE AWARD
Technical Service Awards were given to recipients in each of the four regions and USDA-ARS in acknowledgment of outstanding technical service to the program over several years. Award recipients are selected, and awards are given, annually.
2023 RECIPIENTS
Paul Wade (ARS)
Thomas T. Wixson (ARS)
Jennifer Fisher (Northeast Region)
Martha Sylvia (Northeast Region)
Scott Chapman (North Central Region)
Allison Robinson (North Central Region)
Michael Long (Southern Region)
Darrell Thomas (Southern Region)
David Ennes (Western Region)
Chava Torres (Western Region)
SPECIAL AWARD FOR 2023: EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
ABOUT THE AWARD
This award was presented by Executive Director Jerry Baron and the Project Management Committee as special acknowledgement of a leader who has gone above and beyond in service of IR-4 during a season of challenges and transitions.
2023 RECIPIENT
Debbie Carpenter was presented with the Exceptional Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership throughout the IR-4 headquarters transition, and expert guidance of IR-4’s analytical laboratories. Carpenter’s steadfast work ethic and mentorship have been instrumental to IR-4’s mission during this season of change.
