Awards & Honours
Joseph L. Fiordaliso Leadership in Sustainability Award
About the Award
The Joseph L. Fiordaliso Leadership in Sustainability Award honors the legacy of Joseph L. Fiordaliso, whose visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to clean energy, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development have helped shape New Jersey’s energy future. Presented annually by the Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center (CESAC), the award recognizes distinguished leaders whose vision, innovation, and service have advanced sustainability through impactful contributions in public policy, industry, academia, research, or community leadership. Awardees exemplify collaboration, integrity, and a lasting commitment to building a cleaner, more resilient, and more equitable future.
2026 Awardees
Mark McDonough, President, New Jersey American Water
Award Citation: Recognized for advancing sustainable water infrastructure, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship across New Jersey through visionary utility leadership.
As President of New Jersey American Water, Mark McDonough oversees the state's largest investor-owned water utility, serving approximately 2.8 million people. Since assuming the role in 2021, he has led significant investments to modernize aging water and wastewater infrastructure and strengthen the resilience of essential public services to the growing impacts of climate change.
Under his leadership, New Jersey American Water has expanded initiatives focused on water conservation, watershed protection, PFAS monitoring, environmental education, and community engagement. Through the American Water Charitable Foundation and company-supported programs, he has championed investments in local environmental organizations, clean water projects, and community sustainability initiatives across New Jersey. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding natural resources while ensuring reliable and sustainable water services for future generations.
Michael J. Renna, President & CEO, South Jersey Industries
Award Citation: Recognized for leading the transition toward a lower-carbon energy future through innovation in clean energy infrastructure and decarbonization.
As President and CEO of South Jersey Industries, Michael J. Renna led the company from a traditional natural gas utility toward a diversified clean energy enterprise. He championed long-term decarbonization strategies and advanced renewable natural gas, green hydrogen, solar energy, and other innovative technologies that support New Jersey's clean energy transition. He emphasized strategic partnerships, infrastructure modernization, and responsible investment in low-carbon solutions that balance environmental stewardship with energy reliability.
Renna has remained actively engaged in civic and business organizations and demonstrated a broader commitment to sustainable economic development and community leadership.
2025 Awardee
Hon. Joseph P. Cryan, Chair, Senate Higher Education Committee, New Jersey Senate
Award Citation: Recognized for championing environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable public policy through decades of public service.
Senator Joseph P. Cryan has devoted more than two decades to public service, holding leadership positions in both the New Jersey General Assembly and the State Senate. Throughout his career, he has consistently supported legislation that promotes environmental protection, climate resilience, public access to parks and open spaces, and responsible stewardship of New Jersey's natural resources.
In addition to his legislative service, Senator Cryan has advanced sustainability through his leadership at the Middlesex County Utilities Authority, helping strengthen environmental infrastructure and public services. His long-standing commitment to public policy and environmental leadership has contributed meaningfully to New Jersey's sustainable future.
2024 Awardee
Senator Cory Booker, U.S. Senator, New Jersey
Award Citation: Recognized for advancing environmental justice and equitable climate solutions for historically underserved communities.
Senator Cory Booker has been a national leader in advancing environmental justice, clean energy equity, and climate resilience. Throughout his public service, he has championed policies that address the disproportionate environmental burdens experienced by low-income communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color.
His legislative efforts include major proposals to support lead pipe replacement, pollution cleanup, contaminated site remediation, and investments in healthier, more resilient communities. By advocating for equitable access to clean energy and environmental protections, Senator Booker has helped elevate environmental justice as a central pillar of national climate policy.
CESAC Rate School Honoree
About the Honor
The Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center (CESAC) at Montclair State University recognizes distinguished leaders in energy policy, utility regulation, and public service at its annual Rate School Reception. The honor celebrates individuals whose careers demonstrate an enduring commitment to effective regulation, ratepayer advocacy, civic leadership, and public service in New Jersey and beyond.
2026 Honoree
Dr. Edward H. Salmon
Chairman, Salmon Ventures Limited; Former President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Dr. Edward H. Salmon receives the 2026 CESAC Rate School honor.
Award Citation: “Ed Salmon: A Legacy of Courtesy, Kindness, and Respect—decades of dedication to government, community, energy policy, and public advocacy as a coach, mayor, freeholder, state assemblyman, regulator, and business leader.”
Dr. Edward H. Salmon is a distinguished leader in education, business, and public service whose career spans more than five decades. He spent 27 years teaching in the Millville Public Schools and coaching boys’ basketball, achieving an 84 percent winning record. He was twice named New Jersey Basketball Coach of the Year and was inducted into the South Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame.
His public-service career includes serving as the youngest mayor of Millville, a Cumberland County freeholder, a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, and President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities under Governor Jim Florio. For more than 30 years, he has held leadership roles with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), including Vice President and founder of its Washington Action Committee. He currently serves as President of NARUC’s Commissioners Emeritus.
Dr. Salmon founded four New Jersey-based organizations and continues to serve as Chairman of Salmon Ventures Limited. His civic leadership has extended to the New Jersey Energy Coalition, the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, and numerous community and philanthropic boards across the state.