NJAFM Announces 2026 Award Recipients
Posted on Oct. 1, 2026 / Subscribe 0
The New Jersey Association of Floodplain Management (NJAFM) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 NJAFM Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, service, and dedication have made meaningful contributions to floodplain management and community resilience throughout New Jersey.
The awards will be presented during the 2026 NJAFM Annual Conference, October 20–22 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Award recipients will be recognized during the conference luncheon on Thursday, October 22.
2026 Award Recipients
Lifetime Floodplain Management Achievement
Cleighton Smith // Taylor Wiseman & Taylor
This award recognizes Cleighton Smith for his decades of professional service, leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the advancement of floodplain management in New Jersey.
Excellence in Floodplain Management Leadership
Geoffrey M. Goll // Princeton Hydro
Geoffrey M. Goll is recognized for his longstanding leadership in floodplain management, water resources, ecological restoration, and resilient communities throughout New Jersey and beyond.
Outstanding Local Official
Steve Winters // Highlands, NJ
Steve Winters is recognized for his leadership in modernizing and strengthening floodplain management, permitting, and public service in the Borough of Highlands.
Excellence & Innovation in Floodplain Management
Capt. Alek Modjeski // American Littoral Society
This posthumous award recognizes Capt. Alek Modjeski for his contributions to coastal restoration, resilience, habitat restoration, and innovative approaches to strengthening New Jersey's coastal communities and natural systems.
Outstanding Floodplain Management Project or Program
Lake Hudsonia Dam Removal & Hibernia Brook Restoration Project // Rockaway Township
The project is recognized for demonstrating how thoughtful engineering, ecological restoration, and nature-based solutions can improve floodplain function, watershed resilience, and community safety.
Outreach Recognition
Elena Gable // Cumberland County
Kathy Shaw // Highlands, NJ
Elena Gable and Kathy Shaw are recognized for their outstanding efforts to advance floodplain management through public outreach, education, community engagement, and professional collaboration.
Media Award
Joe Martucci // Cup A Joe Weather
Joe Martucci is recognized for his efforts to communicate weather, flooding, climate, and coastal hazards to the public in accessible and engaging ways.
Celebrating Excellence in Floodplain Management
NJAFM congratulates all of our 2026 award recipients and thanks them for their contributions to stronger, more resilient communities throughout New Jersey.
We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the 2026 NJAFM Annual Conference in Atlantic City.
Registration is open for the 2026 NJAFM Annual Conference. Join us October 20–22 and be part of the celebration.
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