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Oklahoma Governor's Water Conference & Research Symposium

The Oklahoma Governor’s Water Conference and Research Symposium is held annually to bring together experts in Oklahoma water policy and science from local, state, and federal agencies and organizations, as well as industry leaders, students, and researchers.

Water for 2060 Excellence Award Winners
Mark DeLeon
City of Guymon

Choctaw Nation Water Resource Management Office
Ahndria Ablett, Choctaw Nation

Improving the Resilience of Oklahoma's Small Water and Wastewater Systems
Brandon Bowman, Oklahoma Rural Water Association

South Delaware County Regional Water Authority: Pioneering Regional Planning in Delaware County
Jered Davidson, The Public Finance Law Group

Data-Driven Conservation: Turning Challenges into Solutions
Trey Lam, Oklahoma Conservation Commission

Teaching Old Pipes New Tricks
Branko Kerkez, University of Michigan

Weather and Water Data for Drought Early Warning
Joel Lisonbee, Southern Plains Drought Early Warning System

The Water for 2060 Excellence Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the promotion and implementation of water use efficiency and conservation of Oklahoma's fresh water resources. Award winners will be acknowledged during a special ceremony at the Governor's Water Conference. 

Eligibility criteria include the following:

  • Project must be categorized as Public Water Supply, Energy/Industry, or Crop Irrigation/Agriculture Production.
  • Project must contribute to minimizing or eliminating the need for new freshwater supplies in the future, as well as benefiting the local or state economy.
  • Project must have been implemented by the nomination deadline.

For questions or comments, please email the water conference team or call (405) 530-8838.

Read about previous winners and learn more about Water for 2060.

Last Modified on Dec 18, 2025