IR-4 recognized internal award recipients at the 2026 National Education Conference. Pictured left to right: Hannah Ross, Connie Crawford, Duane Larson, Bronson Hung, Gail Mahnken, Riza Punongbayan, Leona Horst, Alex McFall, Tey Montalvo, Matt Hengel, Fabiola Zuno, Jeff Eichler, Cole Smith, Celeste Wheeler and Megan James Hickman (some recipients not present).
At the 2026 National Education Conference (NEC) in Charleston, SC, the IR-4 Project honored 22 teammates in four award categories, recognizing the talented and dedicated individuals who make IR-4’s impactful work possible. Presented every three years, these internal awards recognize outstanding service at both the regional and national levels.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE
The National Recognition of Excellence was presented to three outstanding individuals this year. This internal award is presented every three years to personnel in field, lab, or quality assurance who go above and beyond to keep operations moving. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding achievements that have a significant positive impact on IR-4.
2026 RECIPIENTS
Susan Bierbrunner was nominated for the National Recognition of Excellence by IR-4 Headquarters at NC State University. IR-4 recognizes Bierbrunner’s dedicated service to the IR-4 mission, exemplifying the organizational mission through her unparalleled work ethic and care for specialty crop stakeholders. Bierbrunner’s detailed work, technical database expertise, and thoughtful mentorship have been invaluable to IR-4’s success in securing registrations. Thank you, Susan, for providing such outstanding support to the IR-4 team and our mission!
Megan James Hickman was nominated for the National Recognition of Excellence by the IR-4 Northeast Region. IR-4 recognizes Hickman’s commendable leadership in the Northeast Region as Assistant Regional Field Coordinator, exemplifying our mission, collaborating on a national scale, bringing meaningful and thoughtful perspectives to the priority-setting process, and advocating effectively for the needs of specialty crop growers in her region and beyond.
Leona Horst was nominated for the National Recognition of Excellence by the North Central Region and IR-4’s USDA-ARS collaborators. IR-4 recognizes Horst’s exemplary work as a field professional, embodying IR-4’s grower-focused mission, leading with heart, mentoring new researchers, and contributing positively to the team. Horst’s resilient, above-and-beyond approach inspires those around her and makes a measurable difference in the specialty crop community.
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The National Recognition of Excellence was awarded this year to Susan Bierbrunner (not pictured),
Megan James Hickman (pictured left with Simon Zebelo), and Leona Horst
(pictured right with Joe Munyaneza and Alvin Simmons).
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Meritorious Service Awards were presented by IR-4’s regional offices (including USDA-ARS and Headquarters) in acknowledgment of special service to IR-4, innovation in program development and implementation, and scientific merit encompassing IR-4 contributions.
2026 RECIPIENTS
Joe Heil (North Central Region)
Matt Hengel (Western Region)
Gail Mahnken (Southern Region)
Philip Moore (Headquarters)
Nazmoon Sheikh (USDA-ARS)
TECHNICAL SERVICE AWARD
Technical Service Awards were presented by IR-4’s regional offices (including USDA-ARS and Headquarters) in acknowledgment of outstanding technical service to the program over several years.
2026 RECIPIENTS
Duane Larson (USDA-ARS)
Nathan Leach (Western Region)
Hannah Ross (Headquarters)
Stephen Cole Smith (Southern Region)
Celeste Wheeler (North Central Region)
SPECIAL AWARDS FOR 2026
The Western Regional Analytical Laboratory team was recognized for its top-tier teamwork.
Pictured: Bronson Hung, Jeff Eichler, Tey Montalvo, Matt Hengel (presenter),
Fabiola Zuno, Riza Punongbayan and Alex McFall.
TOP TIER TEAMWORK THRIVING THROUGH TOUGH TIMES
The Western Region Analytical Laboratory Team was recognized by Matt Hengel and the IR-4 Project Management Committee for their inspiring commitment and talent in moving projects forward despite significant challenges. IR-4 applauds these teammates’ dedication and service to the IR-4 mission.
Jeff Eichler
Bronson Hung
Paul Kuzmicky
Alex McFall
Tey Montalvo
Riza Punongbayan
Salvador Torres
Fabiola Zuno
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Connie Crawford was recognized by Southern Region leadership and IR-4 Headquarters for going above and beyond in her key role as administrative assistant for IR-4’s Southern Region team at the University of Florida Food & Environmental Toxicology Lab. Connie’s dedication is unmatched. Her team applauds her perpetual willingness to step up and assist—always with a positive attitude. Her support of the IR-4 team brings teammates together and keeps operations running smoothly.
Connie Crawford’s award was presented by Kristen Searer-Jones and Liwei Gu.