PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Hydraulic Institute (HI) honored the recipients of its prestigious awards, presented during the 2026 Annual Conference Awards Dinner on February 26, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. These awards recognize industry professionals whose leadership, technical expertise and dedication have significantly advanced both the Hydraulic Institute, Pump Systems Matter (PSM) and the broader pump industry.
Pump Systems Matter Educational Excellence Award - Mr. Timothy Paulus, United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE)
The Educational Excellence Award honors organizations or individuals who demonstrate exceptional vision, leadership and commitment to advancing the mission of Pump Systems Matter.
This year’s award recipient is Timothy Paulus, mechanical engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Paulus has played a pivotal role in expanding access to Pump Systems Matter training programs, enabling nearly 400 Corps personnel to complete pump systems and engineering education since 2019. His advocacy has helped strengthen workforce capability across major water infrastructure projects nationwide.
HI Member of the Year - Mr. Clint Zentic, Sulzer
The Member of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose leadership and contributions profoundly shape the work of the Institute.
Clint Zentic, head of Core Technology Design Methodology at Sulzer, has been named HI’s 2025 Member of the Year in recognition of his ongoing contributions to advancing HI’s mission. With more than thirteen years of service, Zentic has made significant technical and leadership contributions across numerous HI committees, including chairing key standards such as ANSI/HI 9.6.2 Rotodynamic Pumps for Assessment of Applied Nozzle Loads, ANSI/HI 14.4 Rotodynamic Pumps Manuals for Installation, Operation and Maintenance and serving as vice‑chair for ANSI/HI 14.5.2 Installation and Startup of Rotodynamic Pumps and the Couplings for the Pump Industry: Selection, Installation and Maintenance guideline. His commitment to advancing engineering best practices, mentoring future professionals and strengthening industry standards has made him an invaluable leader within HI and the industry.
Standards Partner of the Year - Dr. Carl Frizzell, CDM Smith - Water Services Group
The Standards Partner of the Year award recognizes nonmanufacturer partners whose expertise elevates HI’s technical work.
Dr. Carl Frizzell, Ph.D., PE, associate engineer, and pump station design discipline leader at CDM Smith - Water Services Group, is the 2025 honoree. With more than 25 years of civil engineering experience and involvement in over 200 pump station projects, Dr. Frizzell has become a central contributor to HI committees and chair or contributor to several Pump Application Guidelines, such as the Wastewater Collection System Pumping Stations, Water Treatment Plant Pumps and the Water Booster Pumping Stations. His commitment and technical expertise have helped accelerate the development of these critical industry resources.
Young Engineer of the Year - Ms. Kali Vanderpool, Roplan North America
The Young Engineer of the Year award recognizes the next generation of industry leaders who have demonstrated outstanding voluntary leadership within the Hydraulic Institute.
HI is proud to recognize Kali Vanderpool, design engineer at Roplan North America, as the 2025 Young Engineer of the Year. Since joining HI as a volunteer in 2020, Vanderpool has become a trusted technical contributor across multiple committees and serves as vice‑chair of the Mechanical Seals Committee and assisted in leading the publication of the second edition of Mechanical Seals for the Pump Industry. Her dedication, technical insight and leadership exemplify the next generation of engineering excellence.
Recognizing Excellence in the Pump Industry
“We are proud to honor these exceptional individuals for their contributions to both the Hydraulic Institute, Pump Systems Matter and the pump industry,” said Michael Michaud, executive director of the Hydraulic Institute. “Their leadership, expertise and dedication have been instrumental in driving innovation, strengthening industry standards and advancing the mission of HI. Their work continues to shape the future of our industry, and we deeply appreciate their commitment.”
