The 2024 Hydraulic Institute Lifetime Achievement Award went to Al Iseppon, Engineering Manager at Pentair, Water Technologies, for his exceptional contributions to the HI’s technical work over the past three decades. With 44 years of experience in the pump industry and 35 years of active participation in HI, Iseppon has played a critical role in advancing industry standards. His leadership on the HI Technical Affairs Steering Committee and numerous standards committees has been instrumental in shaping key guidelines, including his recent role as chair of the ANSI/HI 9.6.1 Rotodynamic Pumps Guideline for NPSH Margin. The HI says that his expertise and dedication have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Gregory Case, chief technology officer at Taco Inc, was recognized as the 2024 HI Member of the Year in recognition of his sustained efforts to advance HI’s mission. With over 30 years in the industry, Case has been a driving force behind critical initiatives, serving on the HI Technical Affairs Steering Committee and leading multiple standards development committees. His contributions include leadership in the creation of the Specifications for Test Acceptance Grades White Paper, ANSI/HI 5.1-5.6 Sealless Rotodynamic Pumps for Nomenclature, Definitions, Application, Operation, and Test, and the recently published ANSI/HI 14.3 Rotodynamic Pumps for Design and Application standard. His expertise and commitment have significantly shaped industry best practices.
Kara Hurtig, Principal and Senior Water Resources Engineer at Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd., was honored as the 2024 Standards Partner of the Year, for her exceptional volunteer leadership. Over the past 11 years, her expertise has been instrumental in the development and revision of key standards, including ANSI/HI 9.6.6 Rotodynamic Pumps for Pump Piping and ANSI/HI 9.8 Rotodynamic Pumps for Intake Design. In addition to her contributions to standards development, Hurtig supports Hydraulic Institute University (HIU) by co-instructing webinars on Intake Design and Pump Piping. Her technical knowledge, broad experience, and unwavering enthusiasm have made her an invaluable asset to HI.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Young, Engineering Manager of the Metal Bellows Product Group at John Crane Inc, was named 2024 Young Engineer of the Year for his significant accomplishments and voluntary leadership within HI. Under his direction, the 2nd edition of the Mechanical Seals for the Pump Industry was published, and a comprehensive revision of the Mechanical Seals Fundamentals Webinar Bundle was completed. His initiative and dedication have greatly contributed to the development of HI’s educational resources, furthering industry knowledge and training opportunities.
The awards were presented during the recent HI 2025 Annual Conference Awards Dinner in Rancho Mirage, California.
“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding individuals for their contributions to both the Hydraulic Institute and the pump industry,” said Michael Michaud, executive director of the Hydraulic Institute. “Their leadership, expertise, and commitment have played a vital role in fostering innovation, advancing industry standards, and supporting the success of HI. Their efforts are shaping the future of our industry, and we are grateful for their dedication.”
