The California Irrigation Institute recognized Dr. David F. Zoldoske as its Person of the Year at its 53rd annual conference on Feb. 2-3 in Sacramento.
Zoldoske, director for the Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State, is the 36th recipient of the award sponsored by the state’s oldest independent forum on irrigation and water.
“On behalf of the board of directors, it is a pleasure and honor to bestow this award upon our friend and colleague, Dr. Zoldoske,” said Inge Bisconer, California Irrigation Institute board member and past president. “He has worked tirelessly for decades to promote water and resource use efficiency in agricultural and urban applications in California and beyond. We are fortunate that he chose to apply his passion, energy, skill and expertise to help address one of the most important topics of our generation: water.”
Zoldoske is the third recipient with Fresno State ties. Winston Strong, former plant science and mechanized agriculture professor was recognized in 1985 for his pioneering work in sprinkler testing, and former Center for Irrigation Technology director Kenneth Solomon was honored in 2004.
The annual conference brings together water experts, government agency representatives, water district managers, innovative farmers, urban water managers and commercial interests to focus on pressing water issues, explore innovative solutions, and discuss results of research and practical experience in the field.
Zoldoske was recognized with a similar national award in November 2013 as the Irrigation Association’s Person of the Year.
Fresno State has been involved in irrigation testing and research for more than 60 years, and Zoldoske has played a key role for four decades. He started his irrigation career as a graduate student research assistant before beginning work as a full-time research technician in 1983.
In 1994, he was named director of the center that is internationally-recognized as an independent testing laboratory, applied research facility and educational resource.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by a group representing all of California’s irrigation partners,” Zoldoske said. “The award is more of a recognition of our talented staff and all their successful and hard work. We have been tied closely with the California Irrigation Institute since the 1980s, and look forward to working with them for many years to come.”
Zoldoske recently served as vice-chair of the California Department of Water Resources Strategic Planning Caucus for New Water Technology, an effort that became part of the state’s 2013 Water Plan Update. He is also a member of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Nitrogen Tracking and Reporting Task Force.
Internationally, he served as the project leader in establishing the Zimbabwe Irrigation Technology Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe and has represented the United States in the development of international irrigation equipment standards.
More information on the California Irrigation Institute is available at www.caii.org .
