The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) proudly presented two new Exceptional Service Awards at the Annual Education Conference in February.

Rob Wolfe Lifetime Achievement Award

The Rob Wolfe Lifetime Achievement Award is UPEHA's highest honor, presented to an individual who has made a lasting impact on environmental health in the Upper Peninsula through decades of dedicated service, mentorship, and leadership. This award recognizes a career defined by commitment to public health, professional excellence, and the development of future generations in the field.

Chuck Thomas - Geological Engineer, EGLE (Retired)

Chuck was an excellent resource for geology and water resources in the U.P. He was always willing to consult with LHDs regarding well contamination, hydrofracturing, flowing well construction, and well record reviewer. He participated in many EGLE-sponsored trainings and maintained a database for various water quality parameters (outside WaterTrack) to aid LHDs and the general public on what can be expected in the aquifer for natural constituents.

Rob Wolfe (left) presents the first Rob Wolfe Lifetime Achievement Award to Chuck Thomas (right).

PINES - Sanitarian of the Year Award 

The Pinnacle In Northern Environmental Sanitarians (PINES) Award is presented to an active UPEHA member (past or present) who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, Integrity, Notable impact, Excellence, and Service in the field of environmental health. This award honors individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their service to their communities, contribute meaningfully to the advancement of environmental health in the Upper Peninsula, and serve as a model of excellence for their peers.

Sheila McNulty - Sanitarian, Dickinson/Iron District Health Department

Sheila has been a sanitarian at the DIDHD for 18 years. She started as a sanitarian at a health department in Wisconsin where she worked for 8 years. She came to DIDHD as the emergency preparedness coordinator in 2004 and moved back to EH in 2008 as a RS. She has been the Type 2 coordinator along with a generalist working in all our EH programs since. She was on the UPEHA committee for 12 years and has been a member for all 18 years. She has been an outstanding sanitarian for her years of service here at DIDHD. She is planning on taking the EH director position in the spring of 2026.

Exceptional Service Award recipients Chuck Thomas (left) and Sheila McNulty (right).