September 17, 2026

Smith Receives AWWA Vernon Lucy Award for Commitment to Service

Trooper Smith, Program Management Practice Leader based in Atlanta, received the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) 2026 Vernon Lucy Award for his longstanding service and contributions to the water industry. 

AWWA presented the award at the 2026 Water Infrastructure Conference in Indianapolis. The honor recognizes individuals who bring creativity, initiative and dedication to the work of AWWA’s Engineering & Construction Division. 

Throughout his career, Trooper has paired leadership on complex water and wastewater projects and programs with a commitment to serving professional organizations and strengthening the industry. 

Since joining Freese and Nichols in 2000, Trooper has remained active in the water profession as his responsibilities have grown. His involvement began with the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) and Texas AWWA and expanded to leadership roles with WEAT, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP), the Florida Section AWWA, the Water Collaborative Delivery Association (WCDA), and the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) assisting regionally with Florida and Southeast US Chapters and also nationally. Today, he continues to serve at the national level through AWWA, WCDA and DBIA. 

“I am very humbled and honored to receive the Vernon Lucy award,” Trooper said. “Being involved in AWWA and many other professional organizations in my 26-year career has been so rewarding for Freese and Nichols and myself. As well, being involved in these professional organizations in volunteer and leadership roles has provided great access and opportunities for assisting many leaders in owner organizations and our strategic teaming partners in this water industry. If anybody at FNI or in this industry wants to learn more about professional organizations and ways to get involved in minor or major ways, I am happy to spend the time to listen and offer some perspectives.” 

Trooper brings decades of experience helping clients plan and deliver complex water, wastewater and reuse projects and programs. A registered Professional Engineer, ENV SP sustainability professional and DBIA certified professional, he leads large, multidisciplinary teams and works with clients to plan and implement capital improvement programs and navigate traditional and collaborative project delivery. 

“Trooper’s recognition with the Vernon Lucy Award reflects the kind of industry leadership and commitment to advancing the water profession that we value at Freese and Nichols,” Service Director Vimal Nair said. “We are grateful for the expertise and perspective he brings to our firm, our clients and the broader water community.” 

At Freese and Nichols, Trooper serves as Program Management Practice Leader and Design-Build Committee Chair. His industry contributions have earned recognition including DBIA Florida Volunteer of the Year, DBIA Florida’s Fostering Collaboration Award, GAWP’s Hugh A. Wyckoff Award, WEAT’s Medal of Honor and Emerging Leader Award, and induction into WEF’s 5S Society. 

The Vernon Lucy Award recognizes Trooper’s sustained commitment to sharing his experience, serving the profession and helping advance the water industry.