The Groundwater Resources Association of California recently presented its annual Lifetime Achievement Award at its 12th Annual Meeting on October 28, 2003.

The GRA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals for their exemplary contributions to the groundwater industry and for contributions that have been in the spirit of GRA's mission and organization objectives. Individuals that receive the Lifetime Achievement Award have dedicated their lives to the groundwater industry and have been pioneers in their field of expertise.

The 2003 recipient is Rita Schmidt Sudman, executive director of the Water Education Foundation. Rita joined the Water Education Foundation as Executive Director in 1979. She is editor of Western Water Magazine, the Layperson's Guides, and several other publications the Foundation uses to reach the public and key decision-makers. Rita directs a staff of nine in the development and production of television documentaries, school programs, press, executive and attorney briefings and the many other Foundation programs.

A former radio and television reporter and producer in San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento, Rita continues to produce programming on western water issues for public television, and she works with the media on reporting water stories. Her award winning work has been recognized by the Public Broadcasting System and National Geographic magazine.

Rita currently serves as Chair of the California Educational Ground Water Consortium and serves on the steering committee of the National Groundwater Education Consortium. In California, she also serves on the board of directors of the University of California Water Resources Center and Archives, Water for People, and is chair of the California Water History Project.

James Carter, GRA president stated, "Rita Schmidt Sudman is truly dedicated to helping resolve water resource issues in California and creating objective educational tools about groundwater. Her contributions embody the character of GRA."

Also at the Annual Meeting, GRA awarded a special plaque of appreciation to Paul E. Dorey, a founding member of GRA and longtime GRA Director, who is retiring this year from the Board of Directors and as Director of Water Resources at the Vista Irrigation District. During his tenure with GRA, Paul served as the Secretary of the Board and chair of the Membership Committee.