NRCS Personnel - Accomplishments and Awards

Tom Drewes Awarded 2005 State Conservationist Award

Tom Drewes, Special Emphasis Watersheds National Leader for Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), received the 2005 State Conservationist Award. NJ State Conservationist Tony Kramer made the presentation on January 26, 2006.

Past Recipients of NRCS State Conservationist Award

Plant Materials Center (PMC) Employees Receive Award

Plant Materials employees James Futrell and Noel Murray accepted awards on behalf of the Cape May PMC at the February 11, 2005, Employee Appreciation Day.

David Smart Awarded NRCS 2004 State Conservationist Award

David Smart, NJ State Resource Conservationist, was awarded the 2004 State Conservationist by NJ State Conservationist Tony Kramer at NRCS Employee Appreciation Day, Friday, February 11, 2005. 

Tim Beard Winner of 2003 State Conservationist Award

Tim Beard (right) is shown here accepting NJ NRCS State Conservationist Award for 2003 from Tony Kramer, NJ NRCS State Conservationist.

Tim has had significant positive impact on all the NRCS programs in NJ. Tim’s accomplishment of program delivery would not have been possible if it were not for his positive attitude. Tim brings his enthusiasm and “Can Do” attitude to work everyday. He has kept his staff informed through the constant changes of the Farm Bill programs and reorganization. Tim is a trusted leader, he is not afraid to say, “I don’t know the answer”, but will get the answer for you in a timely manner. He has been a tireless and diligent supporter of his staff and their needs and concerns, both professional and personal. The result is a team of better-motivated employees to carry out the work and the program delivery.

Thornton Hole Winner of 2002 State Conservationist Award

State Conservationist Tony Kramer presented Thornton (Thornie) J. F. Hole with the State Conservationist's Award on January 10, 2003, at NRCS Employee Appreciation Day.  Nominated for this award by the Hammonton staff, Thornie retired from in 1994, but continues working as a volunteer with Hammonton Soils.

Thornie came to New Jersey in 1969 when the agency was still known as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS).  He worked at the Mays Landing SCS field office as a Soil Scientist until 1973. From 1073-1979 he served as the Soil Scientist Party Leader at the Toms River field office. Thornie returned to Mays Landing as a District Conservationist from 1978-1989 and worked in Hammonton as a Soil Scientist from 1989-1994. A hard working, consistent and a dependable team player, Thornie actually trained numerous NRCS employees, many who still work with NRCS in New Jersey.

Thornie's service and accomplishments include:

• co-authored 2 articles that were published in the Ohio Academy of Science.
• member of the NJ Association of Professional Soil Scientists and served as Secretary/Treasurer for a number of years.
• member of the Firman E Bear Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
• assisted and/or completed the Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Ocean, and Salem Counties soil survey reports.

In addition to his service through NRCS, Thornie served in the Army on Active Duty from 1955-1957, and spent 28 yrs. including active duty in the reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Thornie resides in Egg Harbor City, NJ with his wife Joanne. He has 5 children and 8 grandchildren.

Last Modified: March 27, 2008