NEWS RELEASE

NACD Honors National Award Winners at 80th Annual Meeting  

San Antonio, TX – Today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) recognized winners of national service awards at the association’s 80th Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. 

Hugh Hammond Bennett National Awards for Conservation Excellence 

The National Conservation Planning Partnership’s Hugh Hammond Bennett Awards for Conservation Excellence honor the legacy of Hugh Hammond Bennett, known as “The Father of Soil Conservation.” National awards were presented to one planner and one producer who have demonstrated commitment to conservation planning, pioneered new approaches to planning, and advanced soil health adoption through civic engagement. 

The Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Planner Award was presented to Shane Jordan of Clark, South Dakota. As a Resource Conservationist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Jordan balances his time between outreach, training, and his direct work with producers. Jordan is a sought-after resource to lead and develop outreach events, teach new employees about conservation planning, help staff build relationships with producers, and work through complex conservation planning challenges.  

The Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Producer Award was presented to Jeff and Jolene Steffen from Crofton, Nebraska. Over the past four decades, the Steffens have built a conservation-driven farming operation that exemplifies innovation, leadership, and measurable impact. The Steffens incorporate advanced conservation planning tools to make decisions and leverage their practical first-hand experience to improve tool functionality and expand access for other producers. The Steffens are trusted ambassadors for soil health systems throughout the region.  

Hugh Hammond Bennett Regional Awards for Conservation Excellence 

The following regional Hugh Hammond Bennett Awards for Conservation Excellence were recognized. 

Rich Duesterhaus Lifetime Achievement Award 

The National Conservation Partnership’s Rich Duesterhaus Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals with a lasting impact on the entirety of the National Conservation Partnership. 

The Rich Duesterhaus Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ray Ledgerwood. For over 35 years, Ledgerwood has been a pillar of support for NACD, most recently developing the Next Generation Leadership Institute and facilitating strategic planning for the National Conservation Foundation. During his tenure as NACD’s Pacific Region Representative, he served as an advisor to a Special Committee on District Employees, paving the way for the formation of the National Conservation District Employees Association. After federal funding for the Resource Conservation and Development program was eliminated in 2011, he helped local councils navigate the transition into independent 501(c)(3) non-profits. Throughout his career, Ledgerwood’s focus has always been on the people who make conservation happen. 

Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award 

The Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award was established in partnership between NACD and NRCS and is presented to an individual, conservation district, or organization that has gone above and beyond to promote private lands conservation. Sims, a rancher from McFadden, Wyoming, was a longstanding leader in NACD who dedicated his life to volunteer service and conservation. The award serves as a testament to the memory and legacy of Sims. 

The Olin Sims Award was presented to Nicholas Schalitz of Weatherford, Texas. In his role as the NRCS Zone 5 Engineer in Texas, Shalitz provides engineering leadership and assistance to over 50 counties in north central Texas. After a devastating flood struck Texas on July 4, 2025, Shalitz facilitated Emergency Watershed Protection Program assistance, and provided leadership to others affected across Texas.  

NACD Friend of Conservation Award 

NACD’s Friend of Conservation Award recognizes an individual, business, organization, or agency outside the association for outstanding contributions to the conservation of our nation’s natural resources. 

The Friend of Conservation Award was presented to Andy Bishop with the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture in Grand Island, Nebraska. The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture unites agricultural producers, conservation agencies, and private partners to protect vital wetland and bird habitats while supporting working lands. At the helm, coordinator Andy Bishop has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing public understanding of natural resources conservation. In addition to public outreach, the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture works directly with landowners to plan and carry out land, water, and wildlife habitat management practices.  

NACD Distinguished Service Award 

The NACD Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual within the association, a conservation district, or a state association who has made significant contributions to the conservation and proper management of our nation’s natural resources. 

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Jerry Miller of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Miller has devoted his career to conservation through science, service, and leadership. Miller is the Chair of Kent County Conservation District, represents Michigan on the NACD Board of Directors, and serves on the board of the Michigan Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society. As a professor and extension specialist at Iowa State University, Miller led applied research and education in soil, water, watershed management, soil survey, and land use planning, contributing critical knowledge to conservation professionals nationwide. As President of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, his advocacy secured historic state funding increases that strengthened Michigan’s conservation districts.  

NACD President’s Award 

The NACD President’s Award is presented to an individual or organization that has been especially dedicated to advancing conservation during the president’s term. This year’s awardee is Candice Abinanti, NACD Director of Communications, from Charlotte, North Carolina.  

National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA) Awards 

Ray Weaver of the Coffee County Soil and Water Conservation District in Manchester, Tennessee, was recognized as a recipient of the NCDEA Outstanding Conservation District Board Member Award. As board chair, Weaver has strengthened governance, championed transparency, and worked directly with county leaders to secure sustainable funding for staff, salaries, and operations. His leadership has ensured that conservation programs are not only available, but also effective in supporting producers, engaging partners, and expanding access to equipment and best management practices that protect soil and water while sustaining working lands.  

Susie Bishop, Executive Director of the Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District in Sebring, Florida, was awarded NCDEA’s Outstanding District Professional Award. From launching the region’s first Mobile Irrigation Lab to restoring impaired waters, protecting endangered species habitat, and building accessible systems for the future, Bishop has demonstrated what it means to pair conservation values with operational excellence. Bishop’s career reflects a rare blend of strategic leadership, community trust, and lifelong dedication to conservation. 

During the Annual Meeting, NACD also inducted three conservation leaders into the association’s Hall of Distinction: Joe Glassmeyer of Ohio, Joe Lomax of New Jersey, and Dr. Orval Gigstad of Nebraska. 

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About the National Association of Conservation Districts: 

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. For 90 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.