Brent Mecham named IA 2020 Industry Achievement Award recipient
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (July 7, 2020) — The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that Brent Q. Mecham, CID, CLWM, CIC, CLIA, CAIS, of Loveland, Colorado, has been named the recipient of the 2020 Industry Achievement Award. This award is the IA’s highest honor and recognizes an individual whose career demonstrates outstanding contributions to the advancement of the irrigation industry, as well as its products and programs.
Mecham retired from his position as the Irrigation Association’s industry development director in July 2020 after joining the IA in 2007. Mecham has been part of the irrigation industry for more than 45 years. He taught irrigation classes for over 20 years, played a major role in the success of the IA’s certification and education programs, contributed to numerous publications and conducted research on various aspects of irrigation. He has also been extensively involved in the standard and codes process for irrigation equipment and practices.
In addition to Mecham, this year’s Industry Achievement Award was also presented to Lynda Wightman. “It’s hard to find two more dedicated people to the irrigation industry than Brent Mecham and Lynda Wightman,” said IA CEO Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE. “I’ve been fortunate to work closely with both of them over the years. Their commitment to promoting efficient irrigation is unmatched, and the irrigation industry would not be what it is today without their devotion and leadership.”
Mecham is considered one of the most respected resources on landscape irrigation in the United States. His knowledge is relied upon by government agencies, code developers, water purveyors and other nongovernmental organizations focused on landscapes and water management. Mecham is also uniquely known for his calm demeanor, attitude and collegiality, even when in the midst of a difficult task.
“I am honored to be recognized with the IA’s Industry Achievement Award,” Mecham said. “From my early days of repairing irrigation systems to teaching landscape water management to working for the Irrigation Association, I can’t think of a better way to cap off a fulfilling career filled with great friends and memories.”
Mecham will be a featured guest on an upcoming episode of the IA’s Bringing Water to Life podcast, and the IA will host an online discussion in early fall with him and another Industry Achievement Award recipient and the 2020 Innovator Award recipient about their views on the future of the irrigation industry. More information about this and other IA awards and past recipients can be found at www.irrigation.org/awards.