Atigun Awards

Alyeska’s Executive Team selected the 2026 Atigun Award recipients, recognizing employees, contractors and teams who stand out for their exceptional contributions and dedication on TAPS. The annual awards were announced during a linewide Town Hall. The 2026 Atigun Awards recognize 2025 performance.

Five Atigun Awards were named in the categories of Health & Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Environment and Innovation, and Kurz also named President’s Choice recipients in the following categories: Professional of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Contractor of the Year, Engineer of the Year, Technician of the Year, Silent Runner of the Year and Commercial Excellence Champion of the Year. Yukon Honors – previously known as Honorable Mentions – were also announced for many categories.

2026 PRESIDENT’S CHOICE AWARDS

Click the links below for Q&As with each President’s Award recipient

Engineer of the Year: Alex Lai, Sr. Integrity Engineer

Professional of the Year: Erovie Afieroho, Integrity & Corrosion Manager

Lifetime Achievement: Hal Eppley, Material Coordinator

Contractor of the Year: Chad Montgomery, HCC Master Mechanic

Technician of the Year: Michael “Mike” Oates, Maintenance North Electrical Technician

Silent Runner of the Year: Betsy Caruthers, Change Management Supervisor

Business Steward of the Year: Kathryn “Katie” Hendrickson, Procurement Manager

HEALTH & SAFETY: Recognizing achievements in health & safety of people and property, including process and operational safety.

Atigun Award: Ballast Water Storage Tank demolition: Nearly 100 people from numerous Alyeska departments and contractors safely and successfully completed the demolition of Valdez Marine Terminal’s Ballast Water Storage Tank 51-TK-92 . The 55-foot tall, 250-foot diameter storage tank containing 64 internal support columns was cleaned and removed from service in 2008; its final demolition eliminated numerous safety issues associated with snow shedding from its roof and cleared it from an already congested tank farm area. The demolition plan emphasized worker safety, environmental protections, safeguarding the tank farm’s secondary-containment liner, and preventing impacts to the adjacent ballast water storage tank. Though it was preceded by months of planning and coordination, the actual demolition – from removal of peripheral piping to final backfill – took only 90 days.

INTEGRITY: Demonstrating commitment to the highest ethical standards. Recognizing achievements in meeting commitments to protect the operating integrity of TAPS and the integrity of APSC business practices.

Atigun Award: Jim River Pingo – Structural Support Replacement: For many years, an ice-cored hill known as a pingo that persists in permafrost environments jeopardized TAPS integrity with its unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles. Located near the Jim River north of the Arctic Circle and Pump Station 5, the pingo’s presence prompted replacement of TAPS infrastructure. The team replaced compromised VSMs with a new configuration, retiring 12 thermal VSMs and 28 heat pipes and installing 14 deep-driven, non-thermal VSMs anchored in thaw-stable soils. This original solution required highly technical advanced site studies and real-time modeling to address unpredictable permafrost dynamics. Construction overcame extreme conditions, including massive ice, artesian groundwater, and seasonal flooding, while maintaining tight tolerances and ensuring safety. The pingo was regraded to support the work, and future settlement was factored into the design. These upgrades secure long-term integrity, reduce maintenance costs, and support the TAPS 100 vision.

Yukon Honor: Suzanne Cunningham, Government Relations Liaison: Suzanne’s dedication and strategic leadership in service of Alyeska and TAPS resonates from the TAPS Right-of-Way to Juneau to Washington, D.C., and far beyond. In 2025, she was a key player in making the unprecedented Energy Day event at Pump Station 1 come to reality. She brought federal and state leaders, oil and gas industry heads, international delegates and media to Milepost 0 safely and securely, and the event elevated visibility of TAPS, Alyeska and Alaska’s oil and gas industry to a worldwide audience. Suzanne also worked with the U.S. Coast Guard, our Alaska Congressional Delegation, and other members of Congress to secure continued protection for the Vessels of Opportunity program; and represented Alyeska in a variety of national and state interest programs. Suzanne facilitated a visit from a U.S. Senator to speak to staff at the CPW, helping Alyeska employees understand the implications of federal policy on Alaska’s energy landscape. And she presented at offsites for Alyeska’s Operations and Engineering divisions, fostering unity and shared understanding across teams. Suzanne’s work is thorough and effective, and the relationships she develops internally and externally are built on trust, her deep knowledge, and her tireless advocacy. 

TEAMWORK: Applying shared responsibility for Alyeska’s mission and resources entrusted to us.  

Atigun Award: PS 1 Energy Day: On June 2, Alyeska hosted an unprecedented VIP event in an unlikely place: Pump Station 1. The Corporate Communications team, the Pump Station 1 crew, and key colleagues across TAPS planned and safely and securely executed the event in just 14 days. The Energy Day event hosted three high-level federal leaders: U.S. Dept. of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, U.S. Dept. of Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. Other notable guests included U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, and local, domestic, and international dignitaries and oil and gas leaders. Through strategic planning, coordination, and the activation of our Incident Management Team structure, the event went off flawlessly, showcasing Alyeska’s commitment to safety, the operational excellence of TAPS and its workers, and the vital role Alaska plays in America’s energy future.

Yukon Honor: Main Bay Triennial & Conex Replacement Project: Scenic Main Bay, 10 hours by boat from Valdez and disconnected from Alaska’s road system, is also a strategic location for Alyeska, a staging site for oil spill response equipment. Nine critical conexes there housing some 5,000 feet of containment and protection boom were aging, and in 2025 a cross-functional team joined forces and expertise to replace the structures. In August, people from SERVS, TCC, Sun Dog Charters, and fishing vessels carefully removed and protected response equipment, returned the aged conexes to Valdez, and returned to the site to install pre-built brand-new units. Overcoming logistical challenges, the project was completed on time with zero injuries, zero equipment damage, and zero mechanical breakdowns, and well ahead of budget, a testament to the professionalism and coordination of all involved.

ENVIRONMENT: Recognizing achievements in environmental protection, habitat enhancements, regulatory compliance or pollution prevention.

Atigun Award: Tank Bottom Processing Labor & Waste Reduction: At Alyeska’s Valdez Marine Terminal, cleaning crude oil storage tanks traditionally produced large volumes of waste and high disposal costs. In 2025, the team introduced an innovative approach called crude oil recirculation, or “exercising,” to reduce waste and improve efficiency. This process involved circulating crude oil within tanks before cleaning to resuspend heavy residues, allowing more material to be pumped out rather than left behind. The result was significant time savings, waste reduction, and cost reduction through both reduced disposal and transportation expenses. The project also likely increased crude oil recovery, returning more product to the sales stream. While improvements are ongoing, this success demonstrates the value of innovation in maintenance practices.

Yukon Honor: Facility Corrosion Integrity Management (FCIM): The North and South Facility Corrosion Integrity Management (FCIM) crews demonstrated outstanding professionalism and environmental stewardship throughout 2025. Their work spanned the pipeline Right-of-Way and station facilities, consistently showcasing technical expertise and operational excellence. Key achievements included safe handling and disposal of asbestos from insulated piping, lead-based paint abatement on facility piping, and efficient valve vault dewatering under the new APDES permit. Each task required precision in the field and meticulous documentation to meet regulatory standards. The teams navigated complex compliance requirements seamlessly, ensuring safety and productivity were never compromised.

INNOVATION: Leveraging knowledge and creativity to continuously improve operations and efficiency. 

Atigun Award: Boiler Modernization at the VMT: Significant upgrades at the Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT) are improving reliability, reducing costs, and lowering emissions by modernizing power boilers and waste gas combustors. Alyeska worked with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to secure authorization for these modifications without additional air quality permitting. Burners in three boilers were upgraded to use more low-BTU waste gas, reducing diesel fuel consumption. Excess gas now routes to new propane-and-waste-gas combustors that replace older units requiring dual operation. The new combustors start in under 15 minutes; one unit can handle vapor surges while meeting federal air quality standards. These changes will cut diesel use, save fuel costs and reduce emissions. Additional piping modifications improved gas flow to boilers, further reducing reliance on diesel and minimizing gas sent to incinerators. This modernization demonstrates environmental stewardship and operational efficiency, positioning the VMT for long-term sustainability.

Yukon Honor: Vessel Decontamination: After Alyeska’s contractor for vessel decontamination services did not renew its contract, and no new external bids were accepted, Alyeska faced an operational gap. Instead of outsourcing, the team leveraged prior experience to design an in-house solution using existing SERVS personnel and assets. They researched equipment and materials for compatibility with SERVS landing craft and optimized space for functionality. They worked together to understand deck space availability, ergonomics, and workspace efficiency. Training evolutions followed to streamline processes and improve responder coordination. The new system was successfully demonstrated during the 2025 Polar Tankers Prince William Sound IMT exercise. This project showcased innovation, collaboration, and resourcefulness.

Alyeska’s Executive Team has selected 2025 Atigun Award recipients, recognizing employees, contractors and teams who stand out for their exceptional contributions and dedication on TAPS.

“On behalf of the entire Executive Team, I congratulate everyone receiving an Atigun Award and honorable mention this year,” said John Kurz, Alyeska President & CEO. “The spotlights on driven teams and individuals detailed in the nominations reflect the remarkable work done every day on TAPS.”

Five Atigun Awards were named in the categories of Health & Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Environment, and Innovation, and Kurz also named President’s Choice recipients in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement, Engineer of the Year, Technician of the Year, Professional of the Year, Contractor of the Year and Silent Runner of the Year. The 2025 Atigun Awards recognize 2024 performance.

2025 PRESIDENT’S CHOICE AWARDS

Click the links below for Q&As with each President’s Award recipient

Lifetime Achievement: Greg Tang, Field Science Technician

Engineer of the Year: Daniel Oliva, Site Engineer

Technician of the Year: Ben Parker, Shops Maintenance Technician

Professional of the Year: Steve Marlin, Sr. Assistant General Counsel

Contractor of the Year: Adam McAllister, HCC B/L Foreman

Silent Runner of the Year: Grainne Bonestroo, Commerical Motor Vehicle Lead

Silent Runner of the Year: Sam Craft, Sr. Inventory Control Coordinator

HEALTH & SAFETY: Recognizing achievements in health & safety of people and property, including process and operational safety.

Atigun Award: Port Valdez kayaker rescue
On June 29, 2024, the crew aboard the Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) escort tug Contender heard people calling for help near their station at the oil spill response barge, OSRB-3, in Port Valdez. The crew spotted one kayaker in the water and another kayaker taking on water. The rescue operation was a close collaboration between Alyeska, ECO and Tatitlek Chenega Chugach (TCC). Vessel-to-vessel exchanges, as performed between the OSRB-3 and the Black Rozema, can be challenging, and the team did an exceptional job keeping the kayakers – and themselves – safe during the rescue.

Honorable Mention: Environment Health Safety Insight (EHSI) upgrade
In 2024, Alyeska upgraded to EHSI, a cloud-based Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) quality management application. The upgrade allows more data-driven decisions and robust view of trends, as well as more timely discussions and HSE actions on TAPS. Compiling data to build an EHS report was a monthly activity requiring collaboration from Safety, Contracting, HR, OHU, Engineering, Site Engineering and contractors. With EHSI, this critical information is available in real time.

INTEGRITY: Demonstrating commitment to the highest ethical standards. Recognizing achievements in meeting commitments to protect the operating integrity of TAPS and the integrity of APSC business practices.

Atigun Award: Regulatory Compliance Team 
The Regulatory Compliance Team championed and supported notable work in 2024, not limited to the team’s ownership of the PHMSA integrated inspection and facilitation of the TAPS arc flash labeling effort. The team’s interactions with many departments, along with state and federal regulatory partners, demonstrated consistency and a commitment to others, and every member maintained a strong level of trust as they took on extra accountability while supporting TAPS.

Honorable Mention: Jacques Cloutier, Data Management Specialist
Jacques Cloutier spent 2024 the way he’s always worked on TAPS: contributing to many work groups and offering assistance and impact on many projects. In 2024, with survey planning and careful review of historical data, Jacques was able to locate the mainline pipe at MP 775 within a foot. He supported Civil Integrity with conceptual work around the Pipeline Milepost 680 vertical support member replacement. His usual teamwork and oversight of data quality includes leading the implementation of Pipeline Open Data Standard for Systems Integrity critical data, participation in Alyeska’s Incident Management Team, improvements in alignment of In-line Inspection data for the Fuel Gas Line and Mainline survey support, and acting as an asset during the 2024 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) inspection and annual PHMSA reporting.

TEAMWORK: Applying shared responsibility for Alyeska’s mission and resources entrusted to us.

Atigun Award: Pump Station 9 Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) replacement
In November 2023, a fire occurred in VFD #2 at PS9, resulting in damage and an inoperable drive. A companywide response effort was launched to restore full oil-moving capability to PS9 and TAPS. The repair and investigation were worked simultaneously and resulted in the procurement of a partial spare, refurbishment and installation, line-wide inspections and changes to maintenance practices. The repair effort was split into three phases: short-, mid- and long-term. Return to full service was accomplished by March 10, 2024.

Honorable Mention: Pump Station 1 electrical technicians & power team 
Electrical power team technicians at PS1 successfully completed the required six-year maintenance cycle on all of the station’s power distribution equipment safely and without negative operational impacts in 2024. This work required great attention to detail and strong communication to execute energy isolations on all electrical equipment supplying power to the station grid while simultaneously maintaining safe operations. The team balanced its schedule with restricted work times while additional critical work, including when the In-Line Inspection tool was deployed on TAPS. Planned maintenance shutdown periods were also leveraged to drastically reduce work time and prevent additional shutdown time.

ENVIRONMENT: Recognizing achievements in environmental protection, habitat enhancements, regulatory compliance or pollution prevention.

Atigun Award: Replacement of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at Berth 5
The 2024 Berth 5 fire foam replacement project was implemented to transition the Berth 5 fire protection system from AFFF to the fluorine free foam (F3) product Universal Green F3. While AFFF is effective at fighting flammable liquid fires, scientific studies have shown that it is not biodegradable compared to F3. Removal and decommissioning of AFFF fire water systems was completed during previous years at Pump Stations 1, 4, 5, and 7, and the Berth 5 project marked the first step toward polyfluoroalkyl substance free (PFAS-free) fire protection at VMT. This project will be used as a model for Berth 4 in 2025. By proactively transitioning away from AFFF and implementing modifications before regulatory requirements are in place, Alyeska continues its commitment toward minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring safe operations.

Honorable Mention: RGV 98 and 100 Osprey nest relocation 
Civil Maintenance Coordinators and Baseline members took initiative as environmental stewards when they discovered nests built by two ospreys on towers at Remote Gate Valves 98 and 100. These nests often weigh hundreds of pounds had the potential to cause a communication outage or result in a pipeline shutdown. To reduce this risk, crews creatively constructed alternate platforms to relocate the nests and maintain the osprey’s habitat for their springtime return.

INNOVATION: Leveraging knowledge and creativity to continuously improve operations and efficiency.

Atigun Award: Glenallen Response Base (GRB) slope stability 
Landslide activity at GRB Hill above the vital spill response facility has been a challenge since construction. Over the years, several rapid landslides occurred near the mainline, and slow soil creep movement caused the aboveground mainline support structures to impact structural integrity. The risk was managed by monitoring and continuous maintenance for several years, and a team of specialty engineers and contractors took action to develop an efficient system of deep tieback soil anchors, drainage improvements, and surface insulation to ensure long-term stabilization to this steep slope. The team eliminated a critical risk to TAPS and the environment by optimizing the design with innovative testing through a high level of geologic investigation and engineering.

Honorable Mention: GenAI adoption to improve business outcomes
A cross-section of teams and workers across TAPS made significant strides in 2024 in GenAI adoption to improve business outcomes. The Generative Artificial Intelligence Use Policy, IT-DPOL-004, was published in July, the result of a collaborative effort from Cyber Security, IT, and Legal. Additionally, a cross-departmental AI Governance group formed and meets regularly to assess AI opportunities and issues. IT created and implemented a service catalog item to manage and document requests and approvals for AI access, and key early adopters have embraced generative AI as a pioneering initiative, utilizing its advanced capabilities to improve various work functions and tasks and champion its use across the company. Team members model responsible AI use by strictly adhering to data protection laws and Alyeska policies.

Alyeska’s Executive Team has selected 2024 Atigun Award recipients, honoring employees, contractors and teams that exemplify excellent work and go the extra mile.

“Reviewing the numerous nominations was inspiring for the entire Executive Team,” said John Kurz, Alyeska President & CEO. “We appreciate those who took time to recognize their peers for the exceptional work that is performed across TAPS. The nominees collectively demonstrate values that drive our operations.”

John also named President’s Choice category recipients in the following categories: Silent Runner, Contractor of the Year, Engineer of the Year, Professional of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Technician of the Year award recipients.

The 2024 Atigun Awards recognize 2023 performance in health & safety, integrity, teamwork, environment and innovation. Here are the 2024 winners and honorable mentions — click the links to learn more about the Atigun-worthy pipeline people and projects:

PRESIDENT’S CHOICE AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement: Norm Voorhis, PS09 Instrumentation Technician

Professional of the Year: Jessica “Jessie” Hannan, Operations Engineering Manager

Technician of the Year: Zeke Cervantes, PS01 Mechanical Technician

Engineer of the Year: Dennis Hansen, CPW Valve Engineer

Silent Runner: Jacquelynn Towner, Recruiting & Personnel Services SME

Contractor of the Year: SLR International Corporation

HEALTH & SAFETY: Recognizing achievements in health and safety of people and property, including process and operational safety.

Atigun Award: Mainline Refrigeration Unit brine release response

Atigun Award: New Safe Operating Committee effort

INTEGRITY: Demonstrating commitment to the highest ethical standards. Recognizing achievements in meeting commitments to protect the operating integrity of TAPS and the integrity of APSC business practices.

Atigun Award: Jan Shifflett, Environment Manager

Honorable Mention: Dan Joos, TAPS Security Sr. Manager

TEAMWORK: Applying shared responsibility for Alyeska’s mission and resources entrusted to us.

Atigun Award: Check Valve 11 replacement and Northern segment pigging recovery

Honorable Mention: Environmental and Civil Maintenance Coordinators across the system

ENVIRONMENT: Recognizing achievements in environmental protection, habitat enhancement, regulatory compliance or pollution prevention.

Atigun Award: Asset Retirement Obligation at Pump Stations 8 and 12

Honorable Mention: New low water crossing at PLMP 759.3

INNOVATION: Leveraging knowledge and creativity to continuously improve operations and efficiency.

Atigun Award: VMT crude headers drain down

Honorable Mention: Supporting Safe Natural Gas Liquid increases with True Vapor Pressure monitoring