During the recent VMA/VRC Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) honored its 2021 Person of the Year and Service Awards.

VMA Person of the Year
This Person of the Year Award is VMA’s highest honor and given to one individual each year. The winner truly possesses passion for the industry and sharing their knowledge with others to help advance VMA and the industry at large. 

Greg Johnson, president at United Valve, was named the 2021 Person of the Year. Johnson has been influential in many aspects of the association, including leading the transition of VALVE Magazine to its new publisher, Gardner Media, in addition to serving on the VMA Education & Training Committee, Marketing & Communications Committee, and the VALVE Magazine Advisory Board. Because of all his hard work this year, Mr. Johnson also has the honor of being the only person to receive the Person of the Year Award twice–this year and in 2010.

“Greg’s impact can be felt throughout every aspect of the VMA,” remarked Heather Rhoderick, VMA president. “In a year in which the association saw many changes in how we deliver content to our members and the industry, Greg’s presence ensured that the integrity of the content was maintained and volunteered his time and expertise to individuals new to the industry.”

VMA Service Award
The Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service, expertise and guidance while participating on a committee.   

Don Bowers of Conval Inc. and John Molloy of Emerson Automation Solutions, both received a VMA Service Award for having gone above and beyond in supporting VMA, contributing to committee efforts and working with committees and staff to deliver value.

Don Bowers was recognized for his longtime contributions and role in the VALVE Magazine Advisory Board.

John Molloy was recognized for his role in the Education & Training Committee, which provides the content for the Valve Basics program, as the association continues to adapt its content to more online education and events due to the pandemic.

VMA also formally presented the 2020 Person of the Year Award to Mark Nahorski, president, PBM-IMI, who was unable to receive it in person last year due to the pandemic.