New York Water Environment Association presents Water Environment Federation Life Membership Award to John C. McGowan
The New York Water Environment Association, a statewide organization of water quality management professionals, has awarded John C. McGowan a Water Environment Federation Lifetime Membership Award. During NYWEA’s 92nd annual meeting awards luncheon Feb. 5, 2020, NYWEA President Robert Wither presented McGowan with the honor.
The award recognizes active membership of NYWEA, a Member Association of the international Water Environment Federation, for at least 35 years.
“Some career opportunities come your way only once in a lifetime,” said McGowan. “The pathway we choose sets the course for life achievements. During my career, I have found that creative thinking leads to emerging technologies that help to protect our water resources. Becoming a certified plant operator is the best career choice I ever made.”
McGowan earned his associate of applied science degree from Alfred State College and attended SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for training to become certified as a Grade 2 Wastewater Operator. In 1982, he upgraded his certification to a 3A Operator with more responsibility and even greater opportunities to be an operator of record at several municipal and private wastewater plants.
McGowan is employed as a systems engineer at Koester Associates in Canastota. He lives in Chittenango with his wife JoAnn; they have two sons.
Founded in 1929 by professionals in the field of water quality as a nonprofit educational organization, NYWEA has 2,700 members statewide and hosts several technical conferences each year for environmental engineers, scientists, public officials and others who work in water and wastewater quality management. In addition, NYWEA sponsors a scholarship program, publishes Clear Waters, a quarterly educational magazine, and administers the wastewater operator certification program. NYWEA also supports humanitarian clean water projects. Headquartered in Syracuse, NYWEA has seven regional chapters, 14 college student chapters and is a member association of the international Water Environment Federation. For more information, visit www.nywea.org.