2025 Award Recipients

Angela Wirth, Ben Davis Conservancy District

President's Choice Award

The President’s Choice Award is reserved for individuals who are key supporters and active participants in the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water. This year, we are proud to recognize Angela Wirth of Ben Davis Conservancy District.

Angela is a familiar face at nearly every Alliance event, consistently showing up to support, engage, and participate. When we think of members who truly embody what it means to be involved in our association, she is one of the first people who comes to mind. Her presence and dedication help strengthen our organization, and we deeply appreciate her commitment to the rural water community.

Bob West,  Jasonville Water Department

Water Systems Operations Specialist of the Year

The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is proud to honor Bob West as the recipient of the 2025 Water System Operations Specialist of the Year Award. Bob has been a vital member of the Jasonville Water Department since approximately 2014, serving as the Superintendent of Utilities. In this role, he oversees the city’s drinking water, wastewater, and gas utilities, ensuring residents receive safe and reliable services. His steadfast commitment to public health and safety has made him an indispensable leader in the industry.

One of Bob’s most significant professional challenges came in December 2024, when a devastating fire destroyed the Jasonville water plant building. Where many would have been overwhelmed, Bob stepped up with remarkable leadership. He directed the rapid construction of a temporary water treatment facility, successfully pressurizing the system within five days—an extraordinary achievement that prevented a water crisis for the community.

Bob is a certified WT3 DW Operator. While his extensive training and experience speak volumes, it is his quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and dedication that set him apart. His decisive actions ensured that Jasonville residents had continuous access to clean water, even in the face of disaster.

Tony Wood , Town of Osgood

Wastewater Systems Operations Specialist of the Year

The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is proud to recognize Tony Wood as the recipient of the 2025 Wastewater System Operations Specialist of the Year Award.  Tony has been a steadfast leader in the Town of Osgood’s water and sewer system for over three decades. He began his career in 1988, specializing in water quality, wastewater analysis, and pretreatment coordination. In 1992, he took on the Water and Wastewater Superintendent role for the Town of Osgood, serving as the point person for both departments. For more than 32 years, Tony has been the cornerstone of the town’s wastewater system, ensuring the treatment plant and collection system remain compliant, efficient, and in excellent condition. 

His impact extends well beyond daily operations. Under Tony’s leadership, numerous wastewater improvement initiatives have been implemented, enhancing efficiency, supplementing peak wet weather flow, and ensuring long-term system sustainability. He has successfully secured grants, introduced energy-saving measures, restored sewer infrastructure, and ensured compliance with stringent IDEM regulations—all while prioritizing cost-effective solutions for the town.

In addition to his work for Osgood, Tony has been a dedicated advocate for the industry as a former President and current member of the Southern Indiana Operators Association. His commitment to mentoring and cross-training the next generation of operators has played a key role in securing the future of Osgood’s utilities.

Daniel Frank, City of Bloomington

Administrative Professional of the Year

The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water proudly recognizes Daniel Frank as the recipient of the 2025 Administrative Professional of the Year Award. Daniel plays an essential role in keeping The City of Bloomington (CBU) running efficiently. From managing the Director’s schedule, arranging Utility Service Board (USB) meetings, addressing public concerns, or streamlining department interactions, his behind-the-scenes efforts are vital to the utility’s success. Beyond his daily responsibilities, Daniel has spearheaded key innovations that have improved efficiency and accessibility. He transitioned USB board packets to a fully digital format, enhancing meeting efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, he modernized the boardroom’s audio-visual equipment, making meetings more accessible to the public. 

Daniel’s technical expertise extends far beyond administrative duties. He has developed training and outreach videos, created visual instructional guides for emergency backup generators, and even leverages his FAA Part 107 drone certification to support utility operations. His ability to troubleshoot and solve problems has made him an indispensable resource for CBU personnel.

William Jones, Town of Edinburgh

Manager of the Year

The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is proud to recognize William “Bill” Jones, Water Superintendent for the Town of Edinburgh, as the 2024 Manager of the Year.

Since joining the Edinburgh Water Department in 2004, Bill has demonstrated exceptional leadership, managing a 2.1 MGD water treatment plant and over 2,000 distribution services. Driven by a vision for progress, Bill led the charge to replace the town’s aging plant, culminating in the completion of a new, state-of-the-art facility in January 2024—ensuring clean, reliable water for years to come.

A true public servant, Bill’s contributions extend beyond water. From plowing snow to umpiring community games, he exemplifies dedication in every role. Certified with WT3 and DSM credentials and committed to continued professional growth, Bill’s impact on Edinburgh is broad and lasting.

We are honored to celebrate his outstanding service and dedication to his community.

Kevin Stilwell, Pike Gibson Water, Inc.,

The James E Burch Steward of the Environment Award

The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water proudly presents the 2024 Steward of the Environment Award to Kevin Stilwell of Pike Gibson Water, Inc., recognizing his extraordinary 44-year career in water conservation and service.

Since 1980, Kevin has overseen 400 miles of water mains and maintained 15 tanks and pump stations across Pike and Gibson counties. His leadership and innovation have had a lasting impact—implementing GIS/GPS mapping, wireless meter systems, and water loss reduction strategies that have kept system loss to just 11%.

Kevin is a true collaborator who has selflessly supported neighboring systems, sharing knowledge and problem-solving skills without hesitation. Guided by the belief that “every action has a reaction, and in the water world, it has to be right,” he has prioritized safety, sustainability, and service.

Kevin’s accolades include the 2012 Operator of the Year and numerous certifications throughout his career. Always on-call and always committed, Kevin exemplifies what it means to be a steward of the environment.

Gene and Sharon Eaton

The Gene and Sharon Eaton Rural Excellence Award

This award will be given at the 2025 Fall Conference in Fort Wayne Indiana.

At the Annual Alliance of Indiana Fall Conference held at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water proudly presented the first Gene & Sharon Eaton Rural Excellence Award. This award honors Gene Eaton, a dedicated member of The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, and his wife Sharon, whose shared commitment and partnership have made a lasting impact, this award recognizes those who exemplify exceptional dedication and excellence in service to rural communities in Indiana. Gene Eaton’s remarkable journey began after his graduation from Napoleon High School in 1960 and a period of service in the Navy. Alongside his brother, Gene purchased a plumbing and excavating business. In 1976, his community-focused vision led him to help establish the Napoleon Community Rural Water Corporation, where he became superintendent in 1992. What started as a mission to serve 100 customers with 6 miles of water mains has now grown to encompass over 220 miles of infrastructure, reaching 1,600 customers, many of whom benefitted from Gene’s personal touch and commitment.

Throughout his career, Gene’s wife, Sharon, has stood beside him, offering her unwavering support. Since their marriage in 1963, they raised two children, Dee and Mitch, and their family expanded to include eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Though they tragically lost their son Mitch at 33, the Eaton family has remained a pillar of strength in their community. Beyond his dedication to rural water, Gene served as Chief of the Napoleon Volunteer Fire Department for an impressive 26 years. His involvement with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water began in 1988 and has since flourished into a close-knit relationship that embodies the spirit of the Alliance’s mission to serve Indiana’s rural water community. The Gene & Sharon Eaton Rural Excellence Award, presented with immense gratitude, will honor individuals who, like Gene and Sharon, demonstrate exemplary commitment to rural service, community well-being, and family values.