Employee of the Year 2025

Jan Thomas - Underwood CD

Jan’s work leading the Center for Technical Development has had a profound impact on the training and support available to all conservation district staff. Her strategic thinking, clear communication, and dedication to building capacity across the state reflect her quiet yet powerful leadership.

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We are proud to recognize the incredible talent and dedication of our colleagues through this year’s 2025 WADE Awards. Congratulations to all the nominees for your outstanding service to conservation efforts across Washington State!

2025 Nominees:

• Emily Bustamante, Education Lead – Okanogan Conservation District 

• Tony Fyrqvist, Finance Manager – San Juan Islands Conservation District 

• Ryan Gelwicks, Farm Planner – Skagit Conservation District 

• Carly Lemon, Professional Engineer – Underwood Conservation District 

• Eli Loftis, Wildfire & Community Resiliency Lead – Okanogan Conservation District 

• Susan Shelton, Finance & Administration Director – Thurston Conservation District 

• Matt Stewart, Quarry Stewardship Coordinator – Spokane Conservation District 

• Jan Thomas, CTD Program Manager – Underwood Conservation District 

• Kim Williams, Executive Director – Clallam Conservation District 

• Courtney Woods, Grants Manager – Washington State Conservation Commission 

• Sierra Young, Conservation Planner – Jefferson County Conservation District 

Award Recipients:

Grit & Grace Award 

Kim Williams, Clallam Conservation District

Kim has shown remarkable strength and resilience during a challenging time, keeping her district afloat through sheer determination and leadership. Her integrity, insight, and commitment to doing what's right have made her an inspiring example of courage under pressure.

Special Service to Conservation Districts 

Courtney Woods, Washington State Conservation Commission

Courtney plays a vital role in nearly every aspect of SCC’s financial operations and training support. Her deep institutional knowledge, strong work ethic, and ability to bridge communication across the conservation network make her an indispensable partner to districts across the state.

Special Service to Conservation Districts 

Carly Lemon, Underwood Conservation District

Carly brings exceptional technical skill and professionalism to her engineering work statewide. She’s a thoughtful collaborator, a steady leader, and a generous mentor—always willing to share knowledge and support successful outcomes for colleagues and landowners alike.

Congratulations to all the nominees and this year’s award recipients!

Start reaching for 2026!

The WADE board is now accepting nominations for the WADE Employee of the Year award. All past and current CD employees, WACD, and WSCC employees are eligible for nominations, and anyone can nominate a person for this award. A person may submit more than one nomination.

Nomination questions are to be sent to Zorah Oppenheimer zoppenheimer@clarkcd.org.  Deadline for applications is 4pm on Friday, May 9, 2025 .

• Nomination Form

• Program Guidelines