Nicole Blute and Jim DeWolfe Receive 2025 George Warren Fuller Awards

(DENVER, CO – July 11, 2025) – Hazen’s Nicole Blute and Jim DeWolfe were recently honored with George Warren Fuller Awards for their impactful work in the drinking water sector. They were named as recipients by their respective sections of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) at the organization’s 2025 Annual Conference and Expo (ACE).

Nicole is a drinking water treatment and system planning expert with over 25 years of experience in advancing technologies to improve water quality. As Hazen's Director of Drinking Water Process Technologies, she leads the Firm’s efforts in groundwater treatment and specializes in system planning for removal of constituents of concern via ion exchange, granular activated carbon, coagulation-filtration, advanced oxidation, and adsorption.  

Nicole received her award from the California-Nevada Section (CA/NV AWWA) and currently serves as Associate Editor of the AWWA Water Science Journal. She has held many additional roles with the organization, including Trustee of the Water Science and Research Division, Chair of the Inorganics Committee, and Secretary of the CA/NV AWWA Section’s Recycled Water Committee. 

“Receiving the George Warren Fuller Award from AWWA is a true honor,” said Nicole. “I am deeply grateful to mentors (including past awardees) who have provided the foundation of my career and colleagues with whom I work every day to improve water quality. This award carries the inspiring legacy of George Warren Fuller—a reminder of the impact we can make to improve public health through water purification.”

Jim has more than 35 years of drinking water treatment experience, specializing in process assessments, chemical and filtration optimization, and operator training. Before his retirement, Jim served as Hazen’s Water Treatment Operations Leader and was instrumental in the Firm’s filter surveillance efforts.  

Jim received his award from the Pennsylvania Section (PA AWWA), serving the organization most notably as Chair of the Coagulation and Filtration Committee—during which he helped establish filter surveillance as a critical component of water treatment operations through ACE pre-conference workshops and client trainings.

“I am truly honored to have received this award,” said Jim. “Ever since joining AWWA over 30 years ago, I have had the pleasure of working with several past recipients. To be in their company makes this award even more special. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my career to serve the drinking water industry. It is very special to receive this award the same year as my dear friend and colleague, Nicole Blute!”

The George Warren Fuller Award is given to AWWA section members for their distinguished service in the water field and in recognition of their sound engineering skill, diplomatic talent, and constructive leadership akin to the award’s esteemed namesake.