NEHA 2026 AEC Wrap-Up
Walter F. Snyder Environmental Health Award
Thomas Vyles, REHS/R S The Snyder Award was created in 1971 in honor of Walter F. Snyder, cofounder and first executive director of NSF. Pre - sented by NSF and NEHA, this award is given annually to individuals who con- tinue Snyder’s legacy through outstand- ing contributions to environmental and public health. NSF and NEHA are proud to announce that Thomas Vyles, REHS/RS, is the recipient of the 2026 Walter F. Sny- der Environmental Health Award. Vyles received the award for his significant contributions to advancing public health throughout his decades-long career. “I’ve focused on employing sound sci- ence to improve the world around me for as long as I can remember, and this honor is deeply gratifying as it truly validates that commitment,” stated Vyles. As a public servant, author, educator, and scientist, Vyles has advanced envi- ronmental health standards and safety practices for commercial swimming pools,
Environmental Health Science & Protec- tion Accreditation Council (EHAC) and the NSF Public Health Council, as well as past service as chair of the American Academy of Sanitarians (AAS). Dr. Moore’s numerous honors include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Medical Department Order of Military Medical Merit, AAS Davis Calvin Wagner Award, NEHA Presidential Citation, and NEHA Past Presidents Award. Beyond his professional accomplish- ments, Dr. Moore is an ordained minister, mentor, and advocate for education and public service. His commitment to serving communities and developing future envi- ronmental health leaders has remained central throughout his career. “His leadership has strengthened envi- ronmental health at every level, from mili- tary and federal service to professional development and mentorship,” said Dr. David Dyjack, NEHA executive director. Reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Moore stated, “This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from col- leagues and a profession that has been such an important part of my life’s work and calling.” operator training by requiring national certification. As an environmental health manager in Flower Mound, Texas, he oversaw programs addressing commer- cial swimming pools, retail food, onsite sewage facilities, and vector control. His professional leadership includes helping develop the 1st edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code, serving as NEHA Region 5 vice-president, and leading the North Texas Chapter of the Texas Envi- ronmental Health Association. He has also shared his expertise through professional presentations and an article published in the Journal of Environmental Health . “Tom’s influence can be seen not only in the programs he has led and the stan- dards he has helped shape but also in the many professionals he has mentored along the way,” said Dr. David Dyjack, NEHA executive director. Source: https://www.nsf.org/news/thomas- vyles-honored-with-2026-walter-f- snyder-environmental-health-award
wastewater systems, vector control pro- grams, and body art facilities. For the past 12 years, he has chaired NSF Standard 50, helping expand the standard and improve aquatic health and safety, including filtra - tion performance, pool testing equipment, and splash pad surfaces. Vyles previously served as a senior health specialist in Plano, Texas, where he advanced commercial swimming pool
Walter S. Mangold Award
Wendell A. Moore, MS, EdD, REHS/RS, DAAS, COL, U.S. Army (Retired) Walter S. Mangold dedicated his life to the practice of environmental health in an extraordinary and exemplary way. In doing so, he became a beacon of excel- lence and inspiration for all environmen- tal health professionals who followed. Created in 1956 and first awarded to Mangold, the Walter S. Mangold Award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to the advancement of envi- ronmental health professionals. It is the highest distinction that NEHA can grant to one of its members. We are pleased to honor Dr. Wendell A. Moore with the 2026 Walter S. Mangold Award. Dr. Moore’s distinguished career spans more than 45 years of environ- mental public health leadership, military service, and federal health administra- tion. During his more than 30 years in the U.S. Army, he held numerous leader- ship positions, including environmental health program director, hospital com- mander, brigade commander, and senior military adviser at the Pentagon. His international service included support- ing emergency relief and humanitarian
assistance efforts in Afghanistan, Bos- nia, Cuba, Haiti, and Kosovo. Following his military career, Dr. Moore served as senior health analyst with the Office of Strategic Planning and Analysis in the Veterans Health Administration. In this role, he provided strategic planning and analytical consultation and collaborated with the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser- vices, and other federal agencies on health planning and national policy initiatives. A NEHA member for more than 35 years, Dr. Moore has served as a techni- cal section chair and vice chair for the association. His professional leadership also includes service on the National
64
Volume 89 • Number 4
Powered by FlippingBook