Atigun Awards
Alyeska’s Atigun Awards
Every year, Alyeska leadership selects talented and hardworking people on TAPS for Atigun Awards. The awards recognize people and work that make our pipeline and the people on it safer, more efficient, more responsible, more innovative. These teams and individuals inspire us to collaborate more, communicate better, aim high in all we do, and overcome challenges.
The Atigun Awards reflect their namesake: Atigun Pass, at 4,379 feet, the highest elevation on the TAPS route. It might also be one of the most beautiful and intimidating landscapes along TAPS. Imagine the grit, determination and brilliance it took to get our pipeline constructed along this seemingly unforgiving area 45 years ago. That creativity and resilience is reflected in those we recognize with Atigun Awards and honorable mentions today.
Atigun Awards and honorable mention honors are presented in the following categories: Environment; Innovation; Health & Safety; Integrity; and Teamwork. There are also President’s Choice Awards, including: Contractor of the Year; Engineer of the Year; Technician of the Year; Professional of the Year; and Lifetime Achievement.
2025 Atigun Awards
Alyeska’s Executive Team has selected 2025 Atigun Award recipients, recognizing employees, contractors and teams who stand out for their exceptional contributions and dedication on TAPS.
“On behalf of the entire Executive Team, I congratulate everyone receiving an Atigun Award and honorable mention this year,” said John Kurz, Alyeska President & CEO. “The spotlights on driven teams and individuals detailed in the nominations reflect the remarkable work done every day on TAPS.”
Five Atigun Awards were named in the categories of Health & Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Environment, and Innovation, and Kurz also named President’s Choice recipients in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement, Engineer of the Year, Technician of the Year, Professional of the Year, Contractor of the Year and Silent Runner of the Year. The 2025 Atigun Awards recognize 2024 performance.
2025 PRESIDENT’S CHOICE AWARDS
Click the links below for Q&As with each President’s Award recipient
Lifetime Achievement: Greg Tang, Field Science Technician
Engineer of the Year: Daniel Oliva, Site Engineer
Technician of the Year: Ben Parker, Shops Maintenance Technician
Professional of the Year: Steve Marlin, Sr. Assistant General Counsel
Contractor of the Year: Adam McAllister, HCC B/L Foreman
Silent Runner of the Year: Grainne Bonestroo, Commerical Motor Vehicle Lead
Silent Runner of the Year: Sam Craft, Sr. Inventory Control Coordinator
HEALTH & SAFETY: Recognizing achievements in health & safety of people and property, including process and operational safety.
Atigun Award: Port Valdez kayaker rescue
On June 29, 2024, the crew aboard the Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) escort tug Contender heard people calling for help near their station at the oil spill response barge, OSRB-3, in Port Valdez. The crew spotted one kayaker in the water and another kayaker taking on water. The rescue operation was a close collaboration between Alyeska, ECO and Tatitlek Chenega Chugach (TCC). Vessel-to-vessel exchanges, as performed between the OSRB-3 and the Black Rozema, can be challenging, and the team did an exceptional job keeping the kayakers – and themselves – safe during the rescue.
Honorable Mention: Environment Health Safety Insight (EHSI) upgrade
In 2024, Alyeska upgraded to EHSI, a cloud-based Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) quality management application. The upgrade allows more data-driven decisions and robust view of trends, as well as more timely discussions and HSE actions on TAPS. Compiling data to build an EHS report was a monthly activity requiring collaboration from Safety, Contracting, HR, OHU, Engineering, Site Engineering and contractors. With EHSI, this critical information is available in real time.
INTEGRITY: Demonstrating commitment to the highest ethical standards. Recognizing achievements in meeting commitments to protect the operating integrity of TAPS and the integrity of APSC business practices.
Atigun Award: Regulatory Compliance Team
The Regulatory Compliance Team championed and supported notable work in 2024, not limited to the team’s ownership of the PHMSA integrated inspection and facilitation of the TAPS arc flash labeling effort. The team’s interactions with many departments, along with state and federal regulatory partners, demonstrated consistency and a commitment to others, and every member maintained a strong level of trust as they took on extra accountability while supporting TAPS.
Honorable Mention: Jacques Cloutier, Data Management Specialist
Jacques Cloutier spent 2024 the way he’s always worked on TAPS: contributing to many work groups and offering assistance and impact on many projects. In 2024, with survey planning and careful review of historical data, Jacques was able to locate the mainline pipe at MP 775 within a foot. He supported Civil Integrity with conceptual work around the Pipeline Milepost 680 vertical support member replacement. His usual teamwork and oversight of data quality includes leading the implementation of Pipeline Open Data Standard for Systems Integrity critical data, participation in Alyeska’s Incident Management Team, improvements in alignment of In-line Inspection data for the Fuel Gas Line and Mainline survey support, and acting as an asset during the 2024 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) inspection and annual PHMSA reporting.
TEAMWORK: Applying shared responsibility for Alyeska’s mission and resources entrusted to us.
Atigun Award: Pump Station 9 Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) replacement
In November 2023, a fire occurred in VFD #2 at PS9, resulting in damage and an inoperable drive. A companywide response effort was launched to restore full oil-moving capability to PS9 and TAPS. The repair and investigation were worked simultaneously and resulted in the procurement of a partial spare, refurbishment and installation, line-wide inspections and changes to maintenance practices. The repair effort was split into three phases: short-, mid- and long-term. Return to full service was accomplished by March 10, 2024.
Honorable Mention: Pump Station 1 electrical technicians & power team
Electrical power team technicians at PS1 successfully completed the required six-year maintenance cycle on all of the station’s power distribution equipment safely and without negative operational impacts in 2024. This work required great attention to detail and strong communication to execute energy isolations on all electrical equipment supplying power to the station grid while simultaneously maintaining safe operations. The team balanced its schedule with restricted work times while additional critical work, including when the In-Line Inspection tool was deployed on TAPS. Planned maintenance shutdown periods were also leveraged to drastically reduce work time and prevent additional shutdown time.
ENVIRONMENT: Recognizing achievements in environmental protection, habitat enhancements, regulatory compliance or pollution prevention.
Atigun Award: Replacement of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at Berth 5
The 2024 Berth 5 fire foam replacement project was implemented to transition the Berth 5 fire protection system from AFFF to the fluorine free foam (F3) product Universal Green F3. While AFFF is effective at fighting flammable liquid fires, scientific studies have shown that it is not biodegradable compared to F3. Removal and decommissioning of AFFF fire water systems was completed during previous years at Pump Stations 1, 4, 5, and 7, and the Berth 5 project marked the first step toward polyfluoroalkyl substance free (PFAS-free) fire protection at VMT. This project will be used as a model for Berth 4 in 2025. By proactively transitioning away from AFFF and implementing modifications before regulatory requirements are in place, Alyeska continues its commitment toward minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring safe operations.
Honorable Mention: RGV 98 and 100 Osprey nest relocation
Civil Maintenance Coordinators and Baseline members took initiative as environmental stewards when they discovered nests built by two ospreys on towers at Remote Gate Valves 98 and 100. These nests often weigh hundreds of pounds had the potential to cause a communication outage or result in a pipeline shutdown. To reduce this risk, crews creatively constructed alternate platforms to relocate the nests and maintain the osprey’s habitat for their springtime return.
INNOVATION: Leveraging knowledge and creativity to continuously improve operations and efficiency.
Atigun Award: Glenallen Response Base (GRB) slope stability
Landslide activity at GRB Hill above the vital spill response facility has been a challenge since construction. Over the years, several rapid landslides occurred near the mainline, and slow soil creep movement caused the aboveground mainline support structures to impact structural integrity. The risk was managed by monitoring and continuous maintenance for several years, and a team of specialty engineers and contractors took action to develop an efficient system of deep tieback soil anchors, drainage improvements, and surface insulation to ensure long-term stabilization to this steep slope. The team eliminated a critical risk to TAPS and the environment by optimizing the design with innovative testing through a high level of geologic investigation and engineering.
Honorable Mention: GenAI adoption to improve business outcomes
A cross-section of teams and workers across TAPS made significant strides in 2024 in GenAI adoption to improve business outcomes. The Generative Artificial Intelligence Use Policy, IT-DPOL-004, was published in July, the result of a collaborative effort from Cyber Security, IT, and Legal. Additionally, a cross-departmental AI Governance group formed and meets regularly to assess AI opportunities and issues. IT created and implemented a service catalog item to manage and document requests and approvals for AI access, and key early adopters have embraced generative AI as a pioneering initiative, utilizing its advanced capabilities to improve various work functions and tasks and champion its use across the company. Team members model responsible AI use by strictly adhering to data protection laws and Alyeska policies.
2024 Atigun Awards
Alyeska’s Executive Team has selected 2024 Atigun Award recipients, honoring employees, contractors and teams that exemplify excellent work and go the extra mile.
“Reviewing the numerous nominations was inspiring for the entire Executive Team,” said John Kurz, Alyeska President & CEO. “We appreciate those who took time to recognize their peers for the exceptional work that is performed across TAPS. The nominees collectively demonstrate values that drive our operations.”
John also named President’s Choice category recipients in the following categories: Silent Runner, Contractor of the Year, Engineer of the Year, Professional of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Technician of the Year award recipients.
The 2024 Atigun Awards recognize 2023 performance in health & safety, integrity, teamwork, environment and innovation. Here are the 2024 winners and honorable mentions — click the links to learn more about the Atigun-worthy pipeline people and projects:
PRESIDENT’S CHOICE AWARDS
Lifetime Achievement: Norm Voorhis, PS09 Instrumentation Technician
Professional of the Year: Jessica “Jessie” Hannan, Operations Engineering Manager
Technician of the Year: Zeke Cervantes, PS01 Mechanical Technician
Engineer of the Year: Dennis Hansen, CPW Valve Engineer
Silent Runner: Jacquelynn Towner, Recruiting & Personnel Services SME
Contractor of the Year: SLR International Corporation
HEALTH & SAFETY: Recognizing achievements in health and safety of people and property, including process and operational safety.
Atigun Award: Mainline Refrigeration Unit brine release response
Atigun Award: New Safe Operating Committee effort
INTEGRITY: Demonstrating commitment to the highest ethical standards. Recognizing achievements in meeting commitments to protect the operating integrity of TAPS and the integrity of APSC business practices.
Atigun Award: Jan Shifflett, Environment Manager
Honorable Mention: Dan Joos, TAPS Security Sr. Manager
TEAMWORK: Applying shared responsibility for Alyeska’s mission and resources entrusted to us.
Atigun Award: Check Valve 11 replacement and Northern segment pigging recovery
Honorable Mention: Environmental and Civil Maintenance Coordinators across the system
ENVIRONMENT: Recognizing achievements in environmental protection, habitat enhancement, regulatory compliance or pollution prevention.
Atigun Award: Asset Retirement Obligation at Pump Stations 8 and 12
Honorable Mention: New low water crossing at PLMP 759.3
INNOVATION: Leveraging knowledge and creativity to continuously improve operations and efficiency.
Atigun Award: VMT crude headers drain down
Honorable Mention: Supporting Safe Natural Gas Liquid increases with True Vapor Pressure monitoring

2023 Atigun Awards
Environment
• Atigun Award: Pump Station 12 Facility Removal’s Bird Deterrent & Relocation. This successful effort demonstrates creative and proactive protection methods for coexisting with wildlife on TAPS.
• Honorable Mention: VMT Contaminated Soils Landfarming
Health and Safety
• Atigun Award: Mental Health Campaign. Year on year, Alyeska strengthens its mental health awareness campaign and 2022 was the biggest to date with nearly two months of weekly educational sessions focused on mental health awareness.
• Honorable Mention: Alyeska Traveling Health Fair Sails Again
Innovation
• Atigun Award: VMT East Tank Farm Vent Repairs. When extraordinary weather conditions created an unprecedented incident in Valdez tank operations, the VMT Mechanical Maintenance team responded: they repaired damaged pressure/vacuum valve vents that protect the 65-foot-tall crude oil tanks from over- and under-pressurization.
• Honorable Mention: Yoshi Okamoto’s LAVA Tool
• Honorable Mention: New In Line Inspection (ILI) Tool
Integrity
• Atigun Award: Joey Selby. Joey’s enthusiastic and even-keeled leadership has united and inspired the Operations Control Center team. The OCC team credits Joey’s integrity and steady guidance for fostering an empowered, solution-minded environment.
• Honorable Mention: Condon Johnson & Associates
Teamwork
• Atigun Award: Milepost 781 Integrity Dig above Keystone Canyon. This team came together to execute a long-anticipated integrity excavation, recognized as the most complicated dig conducted on TAPS in recent history. The dig was completed on time without any significant safety or environmental issues.
• Honorable Mention: Cyber Security team’s response to TSA Security Directives
2023 President’s Choice Awards
• Engineer of the Year: Greg Kinney, Site Engineer. Greg has learned and shared a lot in his 33 years on TAPS. He’s known for his work ethic, above-and-beyond energy, depth of engineering expertise, and willingness to lend a hand.
• Technician of the Year: Mike Huisingh, Mechanical Maintenance Tech, Valdez. In more than a decade with the Maintenance team, Mike’s had a hand in repairs and maintenance to almost every VMT system, and many on TAPS.
• Professional of the Year: Nancy Lea, Maintenance Supervisor, Pump Station 1. When Nancy joined the PS1 team, she brought years of Operations Control Center experience. Every shift, Nancy demonstrates hard work, dedication to the success of PS1 and TAPS, and a passion for sharing knowledge and experience.
• Contractor-Partner of the Year: Brice Incorporated. Brice and its people have demonstrated dependability, responsiveness, exceptional service, and an attentiveness toward protecting Alaska’s environment. In recent years, Brice played a critical role in monitoring and responding to the dynamic Sag River.
• Best Baker on the Line: Patty Miller, NMS, Yukon River Response Base. Patty’s delicious desserts and daily meals designate her as an official fan favorite with TAPS crews up and down the line. And her ability to make people feel recognized and special, uplift morale, and contribute her talents towards TAPS’ success earn her the honor of first-ever Best Baker on the Line.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Joel Lindsey, Implementation Assurance Lead. In his 36 years on TAPS, there is a constant woven into Joel’s history on TAPS: leadership. His career began as a maintenance instrument technician at Pump Station 5 in June 1978, around the first anniversary of TAPS startup. By 1980 he was the station’s maintenance supervisor and Level 5 instrument tech. Thus began a string of increasing management responsibilities and work demands. Leadership. Longevity. A legacy of TAPS pride. All ingredients to a remarkable career and for Joel’s this Lifetime Achievement honor.

2022
Health & Safety
Winner: Covid Vaccination and Testing Team
Honorable Mention: Power Team Protective Relay
Integrity
Winner: Code of Conduct Refresh Team
Innovation
Winner: Valdez Mechanical Maintenance Technicians
Honorable Mention: Leak Detection Work
Environment
Winner: Rockslide at TAPS MP 781
Honorable Mention: Sag River Repair
Teamwork
Winner: Pump Station 1 DRA Ring Repair
Honorable Mention: Atigun River Heat Loss Project
President’s Choice Awards
Contractor of the Year: Northstar Terminal Stevedore Co.
Engineer of the Year: Joe Howell
Technician of the Year: Jason Werner
Professional of the Year: Hillary Schaefer

2021
Environment
Winner: MP 238 heat project
Honorable Mention: VMT Microbiology Lab
Health & Safety
Winner: COVID response
Innovation
Winner: Jeff Butler, Improving pipeline automation
Honorable Mention: Lost Creek slope mitigation design
Integrity
Winner: John Inglis
Honorable Mention: Kassie Andrews
Teamwork
Winner: Sag River structure improvements and repairs
Honorable Mention: IT/Cyber Security Business Continuity (remote work)
President’s Choice Awards
Professional of the Year: Tom Brady
Engineer of the Year: Sam Bailey
Lifetime Achievement: Jerry DeHaas
Lifetime Achievement: Betsy Haines
Technician of the Year: Shawn O’Rear
Technician of the Year: Diandra Amsden
Contractor of the Year: Chugach Alaska Services

2020
Environment
Winner: Enhancement of traditional fish passage design (video)
Honorable Mention: Wildlife response capabilities on TAPS (video)
Health & Safety
Winner: PIT Program Facility Inspection Team – X619 PS03 confined space entry work (video)
Honorable Mention: Wellness on TAPS (video)
Innovation
Winner: Direct weld metal deposition (video)
Honorable Mention: Evolution of contingency of ICS planning team
Integrity
Winner: Nordale PFAS mitigation
Honorable Mention: PS 10 facility removal
Teamwork
Winner: Triconex replacement
Honorable Mention: Operation Blue Whale project
President’s Choice Awards
Contractor of the Year: Central Environment, Inc.
Engineer of the Year: Dave Roberts (video) (story)
Technician of the Year: Sailor Williams (video) (story)
Lifetime Achievement: Rod Hanson

2019
Environment
Winner: Mainline Valve Integrity Solutions
Honorable Mention: Pipeline Waste SPOCs for Large Quantity Generator Facilities – PS4, PS9, and Fairbanks Shop
Health and Safety
Winner: Unmanned Survey Vessels (USVs) for TAPS Waterway Crossing Survey
Honorable Mention: Out of the Danger Zone.
Innovation
Honorable Mention: LiDAR survey of TAPS Aboveground Pipeline System
Honorable Mention: TAPS Changer VFD Transformer Repair
Integrity
Winner: Cindy Keuler
Honorable Mention: Jennifer Hillman
Teamwork
Winner: Marine Services Transition
Honorable Mention: HR Team, Employee Support
President’s Choice Awards
Professional of the Year: Peter Nagel, Land Manager
TAPS Engineer of the Year: Norbert Chowaniec, Operations Engineer
TAPS Contractor of the Year: North Coast Electric
TAPS Technician of the Year: Chris Watson, OM&S SPOC

2018
Environment
Winner: Alyeska’s TAPS-wide Recycling Initiatives
Honorable Mention: Spill Prevention and Reduction – Fleet Department
Health and Safety
Winner: Heat Tube Crew Improves and Innovates to Reduce Ammonia Exposure
Honorable Mention: TAPS Safety Shout Outs, Katie Pesznecker
Innovation
Winner: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Other Technology
Honorable Mention: VMT Power Vapor Fuel Savings – Enhanced Recycle Process
Integrity
Winner: Janine Boyette
Teamwork
Winner: Project W556 – VMT Comm Building and Equipment Replacement
Honorable Mention: G029 Workpad Mitigation at PLMP 652.5
Honorable Mention: TAPS 40th Anniversary Celebration
President’s Choice Awards
TAPS Professional of the Year: Verne Griffis, PS05/07 Project Team Lead
TAPS Engineer of the Year: Dave Heimke, Engineering Standards and Programs Manager
Lifetime Achievement Award: Reva Paulsen, Assistant Chief of Staff
Contractor-Partner of the Year: NANA Management Services

2017
Environment
Winner: Milepost 18 mainline investigation team
Honorable Mention: Right of Way Baseline team
Health and Safety
Winner: Pump Station 1 gas leak repair team
Honorable Mention: Tanker mooring line handling improvements
Innovation
Winner: Winter operating temperature team
Honorable Mention: Temporal and spatial 3D modeling of TAPS aboveground pipe
Integrity
Winner: Rachel Baker-Sears, Project Compliance and Admin Lead
Teamwork
Winner: Pump Station 1 flare tip replacement project (G014)
Honorable Mention: Electrical power maintenance and testing team (POWER Team)
President’s Choice Awards
TAPS Professional of the Year: Geneva Walters, Development Manager
TAPS Engineer of the Year: Alan Beckett, Mechanical Integrity Manager
Lifetime Achievement Award: Don Duke, Measurement Technician
Contractor-Partner of the Year: GLM Corporation

2016
Environment
Winner: Frac-tank redesign. A redesign of the tanks, conducted through a multi-department effort, reduced the risk of spills.
Honorable Mention: Pump Station 1 pig launcher valve replacements
Health and Safety
Winner: Bus rescue at Pump Station 1
Honorable Mention: Terry Andersen, Pipefitter Foreman, HCC
Innovation
Winner: Powerhouse trench design and execution
Honorable Mention: Check Valve Bypass Crew
Integrity
Winner: Cyndy Strickland, Sourcing Manager
Honorable Mention: Philip Hoffman, Aboveground Program Support Engineer
Teamwork
Winner: SAG River flooding initial response/ immediate action team
Honorable Mention: Replace RGV-40
President’s Choice Awards
Professional of the Year: Jim Lawlor, Environment Coordinator Supervisor
Professional of the Year: Eliza Tiulana, Training/MOC Lead Controller
Engineer of the Year: Vinnie Szymkowiak, Sr. Civil Engineer
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Baldridge, Senior Director of Pipeline Operations

2015
Environment
Winner: Flood Response at Sag River and Beaver Brook
Honorable Mention: Third Party Tanker Rollover Response
Health and Safety
Winner: Scott Smith, VMT Utility Supervisor
Honorable Mention: Rodney Jones, Director, Marine Operations, Crowley Marine Services
Innovation
Winner: Robotic In-Line Inspection tool team
Honorable Mention: Enhancing Cyber Security posture, IT
Honorable Mention: Post-65 retiree health insurance enhancements
Integrity
Winner: Julia Redington, Area Project Manager
Honorable Mention: Marvin Stewart, Laborer, HCC
Honorable Mention: Bradley Bailey, Technician
Honorable Mention: Lori Burroughs, Management System Specialist
Teamwork
Winner: Hal Eppley, Material Coordinator
Honorable Mention: Check Valve 5 bypass sleeve team
Honorable Mention: IT Baseline Contract team
President’s Choice Awards
Professional of the Year: Jerry DeHaas, Senior Discipline Engineer Advisor
Professional of the Year: Kim Kortenhof, Senior Pipeline Compliance Coordinator
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Frichtl, Senior Discipline Engineering Advisor

2014
Environment
Winner: Eric Hoffman (HCC), Ron Baxter (HCC) and Fairbanks Fabrication Team
Honorable Mention: Pump Station 1 Integrated Project Team, Tank 111 heat exchanger
Health and Safety
Winner: Pump Station 9 Pig Launcher and Receiver Project
Honorable Mention: Dan Ottenbreit, Senior Project Engineer, Pump Station 9 septic system repair
Honorable Mention: TAPS Warehouse Team, 18 years without a DAFWC or OSHA recordable
Innovation
Winner: In-Line Inspection Pig Run Team, 2013 magnetic flux inspection
Honorable Mention: VMT Equipment Shop Team, scraper pig cleaning system
Honorable Mention: David Heimke, Alyeska Senior Project Engineer, scraper pig detection system
Honorable Mention: Russ Bonar, O&M Mechanical Support Engineer, Dana DeGraffenried, Valve Engineer, mainline valve testing
Integrity
Winner: Barbara Harmon, Compliance Program Lead
Honorable Mention: Nichole Gentz-Wilkins, Purchasing Supervisor
Teamwork
Winner: Leland Bowden, Houston Contracting Company Project Manager
Honorable Mention: John Draper and Tim Rupp, Pump Station 1 Lead Technicians
President’s Choice Awards
Professional of the Year: Tim Rupp, Pump Station 1 Lead Technician
Professional of the Year: Kathy LaForest, Human Resources Generalist
Professional of the Year: Lloyd Street, Power Vapor Supervisor
Professional of the Year: Ann Marie White, Pipeline Advisor