Awards

Rodney Edwin Emmer Award

In recognition of Meritorious activities in Floodplain Management within the State of Louisiana

(Individual)

The award commemorates the many years of service that Mr. Emmer gave to LFMA.  He was an associate research professor with the Louisiana Sea Grant Program at Louisiana State University and our Executive Director from the beginning of time until he passed in 2008.  He was always there and his opinions were highly regarded and generally followed.  For 25 years, he provided leadership and a steadying influence.

Mr. Emmer was a great source of inspiration, knowledge, and laughter, as well as being a great example of a true professional who loved his calling, excelled at his work, never tired of seeking "the truth" and loved doing it on a full stomach, especially.  He was always the gentleman, even when the message he knew he needed to deliver was not what the audience wanted to hear.

This award will be available yearly and nominations may be made by any active LFMA Member.  Selection shall be by the Awards Committee consisting of past Rodney E. Emmer Award recipients and will be presented at the LFMA Annual Conference Awards luncheon.

Apply Here

Theodore "Ted" Debaene Award

In recognition of a Project, Product, Design, Innovative Concept, or Outreach which positively impacted Floodplain Management within the State of Louisiana

(Community, Organization, Group, or a Commercial Company)

Theodore “Ted” Debaene’s professional career spanned 60 years with half of those years being Vice President at Owen and White, Inc. Ted specialized in Floodplain Management and Hydraulic Analysis. He continued his work in Floodplain Management by being recognized as the first Certified Floodplain Manager in Louisiana. Ted started his LFMA Membership in the early 1980’s and became a very active and instrumental member. He was Vice-Chairman, Chairmen, Appointed Executive Director in 2009 and awarded the esteemed Rodney E. Emmer Award in 2012.  The Theodore “Ted” Debaene Award imbodies the ideals and visions Ted had in his daily activities being an Engineer, Floodplain Manager, and LFMA Member.

This award will be available yearly and nominations may be made by any active LFMA Member.  Selection shall be by the Awards Committee consisting of LFMA Officers and Executive Director and will be presented at the LFMA Annual Conference Awards luncheon.

Apply Here

Outstanding Community Award

For recognition of a Project, Outreach, or Significant Accomplishment by a Community within the State of Louisiana which positively impacted Floodplain Management within the State of Louisiana.

(Louisiana Community)

Nominations are due by Friday, March 1, 2024. 

This award will be available yearly and nominations may be made by any active LFMA Member. Selection shall be by the Awards Committee consisting of LFMA Officers and Executive Director and will be presented at the LFMA Annual Conference Awards luncheon.

Apply Here

Rodney Edwin Emmer Award Past Recipients:

  • 2010: Pam Mattingly

  • 2011: Michael Hunnicutt

  • 2012: Ted DeBaene

  • 2013: Melissa Becker

  • 2014: LSUAg Center/Pat Skinner

  • 2015: Wayne Berggren

  • 2016: James Demouchet

  • 2017: Windell Curole

  • 2018: Tom Rodrigue

  • 2019: Cindy O’Neal

  • 2022: Darla Duet

  • 2023: Michelle Gonzales

  • 2024: Kara Moree

Theodore "Ted" Debaene Award Past Recipients:

  • 2023 - Not awarded

  • 2024 - Owen & White

Outstanding Community Award Past Recipients

  • 2023 - City-Parish East Baton Rouge

  • 2024