The Government Person of the Year is awarded to an individual who has served with selfless dedication to the government they represent, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and mankind through their untiring efforts to ensure safety for people through the adoption and use of the Uniform Codes. The individual nominated must be employed by a local, state or federal entity.
This award will be presented during IAPMO’s Annual Education and Business Conference.
AWARD RECIPIENT
![]() Public Health Seattle and King County Building Official and Senior Plumbing Plans Examiner |
Steve Hart Steve Hart is a longtime well-regarded figure in the Seattle plumbing industry, known for his extensive experience and exceptional service. As the owner and operator of his own plumbing business, Hart built a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions to residential and commercial clients across the Pacific Northwest, eventually becoming a certified building official and senior plumbing plans examiner with Public Health Seattle and King County. Over the years, his deep understanding of plumbing systems established him as a leading expert in the field, not only through his hands-on work, but increasingly as an educator, respected for his knowledge and ability to explain complex systems in an accessible manner. Hart’s Plumbing Systems Interactive Workshop stands out as a premier educational offering designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application. The workshop provides participants with hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of advanced plumbing systems and techniques. Through a combination of interactive demonstrations, real-world problem-solving scenarios, and detailed technical discussions, attendees gain valuable insights into the latest innovations and best practices in the field. The workshop succeeds due to its engaging format, which encourages active participation and fosters a collaborative learning environment. By incorporating state-of-the-art tools and equipment, our recipient ensures that participants not only learn the theoretical aspects of plumbing systems but also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. This approach helps attendees to better understand complex concepts and develop the skills necessary to tackle challenging plumbing issues in their own work. Hart’s commitment to education and professional development is evident in the success of his interactive workshop. By providing a platform for industry professionals to expand their expertise and stay current with emerging trends, he contributes to the overall advancement of the plumbing trade. The workshop not only enhances participants' technical abilities but also builds a sense of community among plumbing professionals, fostering a network of support and collaboration that extends beyond the class itself. IAPMO is pleased to present Steve Hart with the 2024 Government Person of the Year Award. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by anybody when you spend some time and put a little bit of effort into what you do,” Hart said, “so I’m very appreciative to have received this award. Thank you.” |
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
2023 | Amir Tabakh | Los Angeles, CA |
2022 | John Nielsen | Boise, Idaho |
2021 | Tom Pitcherello | Bordentown, NJ |
2020 | **Virtual Conference** | Seattle/King County, WA |
2019 | Gordon Copeland | State of New Mexico |
2018 | Steve Nastruz | Lincoln, NE |
2017 | Dana Tuttle | Foster City, CA |
2016 | JT Baca | Carbon County, UT |
2015 | Allen Becker | County of Los Angeles, CA |
2014 | Rex Crawford | Denver, CO |
2013 | Roger Fuller | San Jose, CA |
2012 | Marty Cooper | State of Oregon |
2011 | Richard Vrana | Lincoln, NE |
2010 | Dave Levanger | Houston, TX |
2009 | Tim Collings | Redwood City, CA |
2008 | Roscoe King | Portland, OR |
2007 | Jordan Krahenbuhl | Texas State Board of |
2006 | David Straub | Los Angeles, CA |
2005 | Tom Gugino | Sacramento, CA |
2004 | Phillip Ribbs | Los Angeles, CA |
2003 | J. Trini Mendoza | Santa Monica, CA |
2002 | Terry Swisher | County of Sacramento, CA |
2001 | **Conference Canceled** | Los Angeles, CA |
2000 | Robert Siemsen | Plano, TX |
1999 | Tom Lehane of San Francisco | Special Award |
1999 | Robert West | Stockton, CA |
1998 | Joseph Hurst | San Diego, CA |
1997 | Jerry Adan | Santa Ana, CA |
1996 | Claire Phelps | El Segundo, CA |
1996 | Art Atchison | Oakland, CA |
1995 | A.J. Murguia | Sacramento, CA |
1994 | Gilbert Kissling | TX State Board of Plumbing Examiners |
1993 | Grace Harper | Los Angeles, CA |
1992 | Don Stewart | Portland, OR |
1991 | Ron Pecci | Sacramento, CA |
1990 | Dick Woods | La Habra, CA |
1989 | Bob Martin | Los Angeles, CA |
1988 | Adele Bacon | State of Alaska |
1987 | Mario Fala | Santa Monica, CA |
1986 | John Voss | County of Sacramento, CA |
1985 | Bill Maynard | County of Sacramento, CA |
1984 | Jerry Hansen | Salt Lake County, UT |
1983 | Les Chatfield | Los Angeles, CA |
1982 | George McConnell | County of Contra Costa, CA |
1981 | Ralph Shick | Plano, TX |
1980 | Vince Canzano | Scottsdale, AZ |
1980 | Frank Axen | Special Award |
1979 | John Carter | Oakland, CA |
1978 | Ron Bowman | Stockton, CA |
1978 | George McConnell & Glo Hendrickson | Special Award |
1977 | Elmer Stoops | San Diego, CA |
1977 | Neil MacLean | Special Award |
1976 | Al McMurran | Santa Ana, CA |
1976 | John Woodward & Vince Canzano | Special Award |
1975 | Herbert Clyde Clayton “Dodie” Dodenhoff | El Segundo, CA |
1975 | Ed Brownstein | Special Award |
1974 | John Carter | Oakland, CA |
1974 | Stan Gerrard | Special Award |
1973 | Bill Nunes | |
1972 | John Meacham | Los Angeles, CA |
1971 | George McDaniel | |
1970 | John Murphy | |
1969 | Jack Allen | County of Los Angeles, CA |
1968 | Dallas Neville | |
1967 | Ray Maggard | |
1966 | Al Mandle | Anaheim, CA |
1965 | Al Spadoni | |
1964 | Jack Salinero | Sunnyvale, CA |
1963 | William “Wild Bill” Tibbett | |
1962 | Jack Allen | County of Los Angeles, CA |
1961 | Art Smith | |
1960 | Harold Webster [& Harry Van Kerkhoff (?)] |