Lynda Wightman named recipient of IA’s 2020 Industry Achievement Award
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (July 7, 2020) — The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that Lynda Wightman of Missoula, Montana, 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.
Lynda Wightman retired from Hunter Industries in February 2020 after 35 years with the company. She was the 13th employee hired at Hunter and spent her career focused on elevating the industry through volunteer leadership and education. Wightman has also served on the boards of the Irrigation Foundation (chair), American Society of Irrigation Consultants, Montana/Idaho American Society of Landscape Architects, Landscape Architecture Foundation, Sports Turf Managers Association, National Recreation and Parks Association, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. In addition to serving as a leader for these organizations, she has also supported the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Student Career Days and Renewal and Remembrance since the beginning of both programs.
In addition to Wightman, this year’s Industry Achievement Award was also presented to Brent Mecham, CID, CLWM, CIC, CLIA, CAIS. “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.”
Although Wightman was a valuable long-time member of the Hunter Industries team, her legacy reaches beyond Hunter in her efforts to impact the industry through volunteer work and a dedication and commitment to irrigation education.
“I am humbled to receive this recognition from the IA,” Wightman said. “Over the past 35 years, Hunter Industries has allowed me to dedicate time and experience to the promotion of irrigation programs in schools and careers in irrigation and encouraging women to get involved in our industry. I am truly honored to receive this achievement.”
Wightman 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 her 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.