Atigun Awards: Professional of the Year, Erovie Afieroho
Erovie Afieroho, Alyeska’s Integrity & Corrosion Manager, combines vast technical expertise with strong leadership, working with his team to deliver lasting improvements to TAPS integrity. Erovie is a big-picture thinker who does not shy away from challenges, routinely applying his engineering knowledge to guide Alyeska and coworkers across TAPS through complex and high-consequence issues.
Erovie is known for analyzing problems, evaluating risk, and developing practical and precise solutions, and does all of this and more while managing civil and mechanical integrity programs across TAPS.
That’s a lot of responsibility and that’s the kind of skillset and leadership that made Erovie a perfect pick for the 2026 Atigun Awards President’s Choice for Professional of the Year. In this Atigun Awards Q&A, Erovie talks about the importance of working side-by-side with his talented and passionate teammates and how integrity work on TAPS will carry the iconic pipeline past its upcoming 50th anniversary and toward TAPS 100.
How did you feel about being told you were receiving the Professional of the Year honor? And what does that title mean to you?
I am honored and deeply motivated by this recognition. I accept this award on behalf of the many dedicated professionals, past and present, who built this engineering marvel and whose work I am privileged to help maintain.
I was genuinely surprised when the President (and CEO John Kurz) and Vice President of Engineering and Risk (Tom Marchesani) visited the second floor to inform me of my selection. I had no idea that my everyday work was being noticed across the company, let alone that it would lead to such meaningful acknowledgment.
Tell us about your job and your favorite part of your role/work?
In my role as Manager, Integrity Management, my overarching objective is to ensure that all pipelines and supporting infrastructure on TAPS continue to maintain fitness for service as we work toward TAPS 100.
I am fortunate to work closely with an exceptional team of engineers who gather, analyze, and manage integrity data to support the safe and reliable operation of these assets, and are deeply passionate about this mission. The most rewarding part of my role is creating an environment where my team feels supported and empowered to deliver top‑quartile engineering solutions to the integrity challenges we face on TAPS.
Do you have a favorite day or time on TAPS? Many people do, from completing big projects to seeing epic northern lights or wildlife. Tell us about yours!
Many of my favorite moments on TAPS are when my team comes together to tackle challenging interdisciplinary problems with a “Speak and Work as a Team” mindset. There is never a dull moment in our team, and I appreciate watching my team collaborate to successfully address tasks and “Take Action.”
Is there anyone you’d like to recognize who has helped you along the way or supports your work?
I would like to sincerely recognize the Integrity Management team for their professionalism, dedication, and ongoing support. They are passionate about the integrity of TAPS and consistently work smart and hard to achieve our shared goals of keeping TAPS fit for service through 100 years.
I am also deeply grateful for the support and encouragement from Lindsey Vorachek, Director of System Integrity and Risk, and Tom Marchesani, Vice President of Engineering and Risk, whose leadership and trust have enabled me to grow and succeed in my role.
I have had the privilege of working with so many dedicated colleagues across TAPS as we address the system’s integrity concerns, and I am truly grateful to everyone who has supported and collaborated with me along the way. Their willingness to help, share expertise, and work together makes a real difference and is deeply appreciated. And please, I will continue to seek that collaboration!