The Industry Achievement Award (originally called the “Pioneer Achievement Award” until 2005) is intended to recognize ATSSA members who achieve distinction deemed worthy of special recognition. It is a means of acknowledging members who have attained eminence in the roadway safety infrastructure industry and/or who have made unusually significant contributions to ATSSA. This award is not required to be presented each year, but is reserved to acknowledge a select few for their lifetime of work and service. Note: Only ATSSA members may submit a nomination.

To be eligible for the award, a person must:

  • Currently be a member of ATSSA or have been a member for a minimum of 10 years; and
  • Have made a significant contribution to the Association and the roadway safety industry; and
  • Have exhibited professional integrity, dedication, involvement and the pioneering spirit in a manner which has resulted in the improvement of the industry as a whole.

Award Type

  • Industry Awards
  • Member Awards

Call for Nominations

The 2024 call for nominations was open July 15 - Sept. 4.

Only ATSSA members may submit a nomination.

Nominations for the 2024 Industry Achievement Award to help celebrate those who have made a meaningful impact within our industry are now closed.

Previous award recipients

David Krahulec

2023

Peter Speer

2022

No award recipient

2021

Paul Carlson

2020

Roger Wentz

2019

Sue Reiss

2018

James Crowley

2017

Henry Ross

2016

Herb Gruen

2015

James Kalchbrenner

2014

James Keaton

2013

Tom McSwain

2012

Robert W. “Bubba” Lee

2011

John Gonitzke

2010

Harry Glutting

2009

Dennis “Chip” Sterndahl

2008

Hugh & Bill Rowland

2007

Jack Kulp

2006

John Story

2005

Kathi Holst

2005

Drew Kramer

2004

Ken Decker

2003

Jim Van DeVelde

2002

Don Tisdall

2001

Roger Rathburn

2000

Robert Brownlee

1999

Frances Carmack

1998

Don Harris

1997

Richard Johnson

1996

Charles Dawson

1995

Fred Johnson

1994

Pat Brooks

1993

Jeff Roehm

1992

James Heaton

1991

Robert Toomey

1990

Dean Stephens

1989

Jerry Bryson

1988

Scott Sayer

1987

Pat Riebel

1986

Jim Draper

1985

Bill Smits

1984

Dana Woudenberg

1983

Ray Rhodes

1982

Ledio Mariani

1981

Robert Dunbar

1980

Val Van DeVelde

1979