William H. Ivers Award

The William H. Ivers Award is bestowed upon an individual who has made substantial contributions, spanning at least 15 years, to the design, construction, management, or administration of boating access facilities or programs. Nominees must demonstrate exceptional professionalism and achievement. This award was first given in 1993.

This award is presented at SOBA's Annual Education & Training Symposium.



Eligibility:

An individual currently employed by a SOBA member organization, or to an individual member or past or retired SOBA member.

All nominations should be submitted through SOBA's online nomination form.

2023 Ivers Award Winner

2023 William H. Ivers Award

Janine Bellque,
Oregon State Marine Board

Previous Recipients - Ivers Award

History:

This award was established by the SOBA Executive Board in 1993 to honor the memory of William H. Ivers. Bill was one of SOBA’s early pioneering members whose vision, dedication, and hard work helped establish SOBA as the primary organization dedicated to boating access. Bill served as Director of the California Boating and Waterways in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He played an instrumental role in founding SOBA and served two terms as its President (1989 and 1990). A skilled politician, Bill was appointed director of his agency after serving in the California State Assembly. He used his diplomatic skills and affability to champion public boating access interests, particularly during the early days of the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund. SOBA lost a great friend and a distinguished leader when Bill passed away in 1992 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.