Eleven years ago, HDP established the Ruben Bergman Award to honor the organization’s founder, Ruben Bergman, and to acknowledge his hard work and dedication in leading HDP. This award recognizes individual HDP members who have made significant contributions. A list of criteria is used to select a recipient for the award, including: project participation, promotion of HDP, guidance within their own company in relation to our organization, and general leadership among HDP members. Nominees must meet at least three of these criteria. Very rarely, if ever, does a nominee fulfill every single one criterion.

This year, the HDP staff has identified an individual who not only meets every criterion but may have also introduced a few new ones to be considered in the future: Julie Silk. Julie is only the fifth recipient of this award since its inception. She has actively participated in nearly every HDP project in recent years and has chaired several, including a current project. She is a familiar face at every HDP in-person meeting and hosted a meeting two years ago. She is eager to speak up during projects, step in for project leaders who are unavailable, and represent HDP at external events. She has also served as an HDP champion within her own company, leveraging her role as a key contact to enhance the depth and reach of project involvement.

Julie is a dedicated member of the HDP Board of Directors, previously serving as Chairperson, and has played a pivotal role in HDP’s growth. She provided guidance to the staff on various organizational developments, including the HDP website and mobile app. She has consistently ensured that the needs of the membership are prioritized.

Please join us in congratulating Julie on this award.