Awards

Recognizing exceptional contributions

PDES, Inc.’s success is rooted in the dedication, professionalism, and positive spirit of the many team members who drive its initiatives forward. Their commitment ensures that the organization continues to advance open standards and collaborative innovation across industry and government. To honor those individuals who exemplify exceptional engagement and contribute beyond expectations, PDES, Inc. recognizes two outstanding contributors each year. These awards celebrate the people whose energy, expertise, and unwavering support make a meaningful and lasting impact on the program’s achievements.

Brad Rigdon Technical Management Award

This award was established in June 1996 in honor of Mr. Brad Rigdon, President and Chairman of the PDES, Inc. Executive Board for eight years. Mr. Rigdon, who retired from GM/EDS, brought outstanding leadership to the PDES, Inc. Consortium and was instrumental in growing STEP from the early development phase to its emergence into world-wide production operations. This award is presented annually, recognizing PDES, Inc. personnel who stand out above the rest by demonstrating excellent technical management skills in executing the PDES, Inc. Program.

Over the last 12 months, the nominee must have:

    • Exhibited outstanding technical management on a PDES, Inc. project
    • Contributed significantly to managing and facilitating the resolution of a specific technical problem or issue
    • Assigned workload to the best-qualified team members
    • Anticipated potential problems in advance and maintained valid contingency plans
    • Demonstrated drive and commitment to teamwork
    • Inspired team enthusiasm and empowered people
    • Set aggressive (but realistic) schedules and work estimates
    • Accomplished tasks on schedule and within budget
    • Treated people with fairness, trust, and respect


Past Brad Rigdon Technical Management Award Winners:

Year Winner
Fall 2025 Asa Trainer
Fall 2024 Pierre Duchier
Fall 2023 Patrick Walsh
Fall 2022 Darla Nettles Edwards
Fall 2019 Jean-Yves Delaunay
Fall 2018 Jean-Marc Crepel
Fall 2017 Albert Levy & Joe Draper
Fall 2016 Sophie Herail
Fall 2015 Allison Barnard
Fall 2014 Greg Pollari
Fall 2013 Jochen Boy
Fall 2012 Jeff Holmlund
Fall 2011 Kevin Fischer
Fall 2010 Rick Zuray
Fall 2009 Bob Kiggans
Fall 2008 Charlie Stirk
Fall 2007 Jim Lorenz
Fall 2006 Keith Hunten
Fall 2005 Jean-Yves Delaunay
Fall 2004 Jim U'Ren
Fall 2003 Simon Frechette
Fall 2002 Jeff Holmlund
Fall 2001 Tom Hendrix
Fall 2000 Bill Marler & Phil Rosché
Fall 1999 John DeLoof
Fall 1998 Ted Goosen
Fall 1997 David Briggs
Fall 1996 Doug Cheney

Bryan K. Martin Technical Excellence Award

This award was established by the PDES, Inc. Executive Board in memory of Bryan K. Martin, an exceptional individual who died in 1991 in an airplane crash. Mr. Martin was a motivating leader who worked tirelessly to achieve PDES, Inc. goals. This award is presented annually to the individual who has demonstrated superior technical contributions to the PDES, Inc. program.

Over the last 12 months, the nominee must have:

    • Provided strong technical contributions to the program
    • Been in frequent demand by team members and management staff to help solve technical problems
    • Been recognized national/international technical experts in their field
    • Kept technology transfer at the forefront so that developments within PDES, Inc. are taken back into the back to industry
    • Demonstrated great leadership, persistence, and commitment
    • Worked well as team players as well as individually
    • Clearly communicated technical details to all levels of stakeholders


Past Bryan K. Martin Technical Excellence Award Winners:

Year Winner
Fall 2025 Tom Kramer
Fall 2024 Ian Parent
Fall 2023 Dan Ganser
Fall 2022 Robert Lipman
Spring 2019 Brandon Sapp
Spring 2018 Kevin Le Tutour
Spring 2017 Chris Johnson
Spring 2016 Thomas Hedberg Jr.
Spring 2015 Frédéric Darré & Pierre Duchier
Spring 2014 Robert Lipman
Spring 2013 Alain Roche
Spring 2012 Ed Paff
Spring 2011 Doug Cheney
Spring 2010 Phil Spiby
Spring 2009 Darla Nettles Edwards
Spring 2008 Jochen Boy
Spring 2007 John Zimmermann
Spring 2006 Allison Barnard
Spring 2005 Lothar Klein
Spring 2004 Steve Gordon
Spring 2003 Steve Yates
Spring 2002 Josh Lubell
Spring 2001 Tony Ranger
Spring 2000 Keith Hunten
Spring 1999 Tom Mack
Spring 1998 Greg Paul
Spring 1997 Jim Kindrick
Spring 1996 Gerard Silvernale
Fall 1995 Jesse Crusey
Spring 1995 David Campbell
Fall 1994 Steve Ryan
Spring 1994 Greg Smith & Tom Thurman
Fall 1993 Linas Polikaitis
Spring 1993 David Price
Fall 1992 Al Montano
Spring 1992 Larry McKee
Fall 1991 Mitch Gilbert

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ALLISON BARNARD

General Manager

(202) 441-2059

DR. MICHAEL R. JAHADI

President & Chairman, Executive Board

(817) 935-4537