AWWA’s Paul Olson honored with 2024 SES Fellow Award

The Society for Standardization Professionals (SES) recently recognized Paul Olson, American Water Works Association (AWWA) senior manager of standards, with a Fellow Award due to his outstanding contributions and professional distinction in the field of water standards. 

Olson received the honor at the SES Annual Conference April 9-11 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was among three distinguished professionals recognized this year, including Nicholas Fleury of the International Organization (ISO) for Standardization and Matt Williams of Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). 

The SES Fellow Award honors individuals with substantial experience in the standards field who have made significant contributions to its advancement. Olson has played a vital role in leading, developing and promoting AWWA water quality standards. He currently serves on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Executive Standards Council, contributing his expertise to guide ANSI policies and procedures. Olson also coordinates North American participation in ISO water standards development, championing global alignment of water quality parameters. 

“AWWA is grateful for the dedicated and distinguished service that Paul has provided to AWWA and the broader standardization community for more than 20 years,” said Barb Martin director of engineering and technical services for AWWA. “Paul serves as an international ambassador for standards and their essential role in protecting our people and our planet.” 

“SES has been incredibly helpful to me in my career in standards, and to have such an outstanding peer group to collaborate with and learn from is a great resource,” said Olson. “I feel very touched and honored to be recognized as an SES Fellow.” 

AWWA has been a leader in water standards since 1908. The SES Fellow Award reflects AWWA’s ongoing commitment to developing and promoting essential water industry standards that safeguard public health and ensure the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water. 

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.