Each year, CEHA honors individuals and organizations that make exceptional contributions to the field of Environmental Health in Colorado. Read on to see this year's award winners and learn about their achievements.

Jeff Lawrence, Milton M. Miller Award

The Milton M. Miller Award is CEHA's highest honor, recognizing an exceptional Environmental Health Professional in a leadership role. The award commemorates Milton M. Miller, a pioneering Public Health Service Officer whose contributions shaped Colorado’s early environmental health standards, advanced sanitary science training, and strengthened CEHA through his presidency and creation of the first Annual Educational Conference. Also a former editor of the Journal of Environmental Health and NEHA board member, Miller earned NEHA’s top honor for his distinguished service. Nominees must be CEHA members with over ten years of experience who demonstrate outstanding leadership and embody Miller’s legacy of excellence, organization, and dedication to the profession.

Jeff was nominated for CEHA’s 2026 Milton Miller Award in recognition of his unparalleled dedication to supporting local environmental public health throughout nearly 35 years of service. As Director of CDPHE’s Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability, Jeff consistently strengthened partnerships with local agencies, actively engaged with CDEH, and provided candid, reliable guidance on statewide issues. His leadership extended beyond state service through contributions such as supporting Colorado State University’s Environmental Public Health program, helping prepare the next generation of professionals. With his retirement approaching in 2026, this honor reflects Jeff’s enduring commitment, exceptional leadership, and profound impact on environmental health in Colorado.

Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater (CPOW), Environmental Achievement and Innovation award

The Environmental Achievement and Innovation Award recognizes a company or organization that has made a significant contribution to environmental health. Nominees must demonstrate proactive improvements such as strong internal safety or inspection programs, sustained compliance with ongoing progress, or meaningful collaboration with environmental health partners through well-established working relationships.

CPOW has strengthened Colorado’s onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) field by providing statewide training and certification, actively participating in stakeholder efforts to improve Regulation 43, and offering an annual education conference. They have also helped elevate the profession nationally by partnering three times to bring the National Onsite Mega-Conference to Colorado. Go CPOW!

Josh Gallegos, Presidential Citation

Josh Gallegos is recognized for his nine years of dedicated service on the AEC Planning Committee, where he has led the Food Track.

Leading the Food Track takes tremendous organization, networking, and commitment. Josh has worked year after year to bring timely and relevant information to the AEC and has helped connect CEHA members with outstanding speakers and presentations that keep us informed, engaged, and inspired.

This year marks Josh’s final year leading the Food Track, and he leaves some very big shoes to fill. His dedication and contributions to the AEC and CEHA over the past nine years will certainly be missed.

Thank you for everything you’ve contributed to CEHA over the years, Josh!

Keri Ptak, Presidential Citation

Keri Ptak is recognized for her years of dedicated service on the AEC Planning Committee and her willingness to step in wherever she is needed.

Keri has led the Entertainment Committee, supported education tracks, assisted with registration, and consistently helped solve problems behind the scenes. She has a talent for finding creative solutions and bringing great ideas for themes and entertainment to life.

Most importantly, Keri brings a consistently positive attitude and energy to everything she does. Her enthusiasm is contagious and makes a difference to everyone working alongside her.

CEHA is fortunate to have Keri’s continued involvement, and we look forward to seeing her take on even larger roles and continue making an impact in the years ahead.

Thank you, Keri!

Cassie Theisen, Presidential Citation

Cassie Theisen is recognized for her outstanding service and contributions to CEHA through her work on the Publications, Education, and Scholarships committees within the CEHA Board.

Cassie has played a key role in expanding CEHA’s social media presence and increasing our online engagement. Through her regular updates on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, she has helped keep our members informed and has helped grow our following.

Through the Education team, Cassie helped organize and host our HAZWOPER Refresher Course, with proceeds supporting student scholarships to attend future AECs. She also contributed to the Bylaws Committee’s work to update CEHA guidelines related to membership, awards, and scholarships.

Cassie’s dedication and willingness to jump in and help have made a meaningful difference to CEHA. We are excited to see her continue that work as she begins serving as CEHA President-Elect for 2027.

Keep up the great work, Cassie!

Colorado Environmental Health Association, NEHA Certificate of Achievement 

Last but not least, CEHA received a Certificate of Achievement from the National Environmental Health Association for hosting our 70th  Annual Education Conference. We can't wait to grow upon this momentum and see what the next 70 years have in store.