On March 25, 2014, Dr. G. Tanner Girard of Morrison, IL, was awarded The Ted Erickson Distinguished Environmental Professional Award by the Industrial, Water, Waste and Sewage Group (IWWSG). The IWWSG consists of members who are plant managers, engineers, waste water treatment experts, government officials, consultants, environmental service companies and attorneys in the Chicagoland area.
The IWWSG provides a networking and educational forum for members regarding environmental and regulatory issues.
The Erickson Award was established in 2000 to honor IWWSG founder E. Ted Erickson. The Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution in the field of environmental leadership, law, compliance, management, or education, especially at the local and regional levels.
The award was granted to Dr. Girard for his distinguished environmental career, including his 20-year service on the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB), with six years as IPCB Chairman. The IPCB promulgates the environmental regulations for the State of Illinois. It also acts as an environmental court to settle disputed cases, such as enforcement actions, variance requests, and permit appeals.
Dr. Girard was lauded by the IWWSG for his ability to make science-based and common-sense decisions concerning environmental regulations, while respecting the often opposing views of all involved parties.
Dr. Girard was first appointed to the IPCB in 1992 by Governor Jim Edgar. He was reappointed twice more by Governor Edgar, once by Governor George Ryan, and twice by Governor Rod Blagojevich, who also appointed him Acting Chairman. For the final seven months at the IPCB before retirement in May 2012, Governor Pat Quinn appointed him the first Executive Director of the IPCB. Dr. Girard authored or co-authored over 600 substantial opinions and orders during his 20-year career at the IPCB.
Dr. Girard has worked for environmental protection inside academia and the government since the 1970’s. Before appointment to the IPCB, from 1977 to 1992, Dr. Girard served in various positions at Principia College in Elsah, IL:
- Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
- Unit Head (administrator) of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
- Department Chair of Biology and Environmental Sciences.
He taught a range of courses, including ecology, zoology, ornithology, environmental science, wildlife management, entomology, and limnology. He also directed biology study programs to Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, and was Visiting Professor at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala during summer 1988. During his time in academia, he authored 40+ articles in the professional and public press and performed field research on bald eagles in Illinois and Florida.
Dr. Girard also has a very distinguished record in other government appointments and non-government environmental leadership roles, and has provided leadership in the community service area. He was appointed to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission by Governor Jim Thompson and served seven years, including three years as Chairman. He served seven years on the Governor’s Science Advisory Committee on appointment by Governor Edgar. He also served a term as Trustee of the QEM Fire Protection District in Jersey County.
Other leadership roles include:
- President of the Illinois Audubon Society
- Vice-President of the Illinois Environmental Council
- Director of Earth Share of Illinois in Chicago, IL
- Director of Great Rivers Land Trust in Jersey County, IL
- President of Habitat for Humanity
- Chamber of Commerce, Art Association, and Rotary Club of Jacksonville, IL
- Illinois Rotary Clubs, including his current role as President-Elect of Morrison Rotary.
Dr. Girard earned a B.S. in Biology from Principia College (Elsah, 1974); an M.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Central Florida (Orlando, 1976); a Ph.D. in Science Education from Florida State University (Tallahassee, 1979.)