News

Woodard & Curran Employees Recognized at Regional Conference

September 16, 2026

The New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) recognized two Woodard & Curran employees during its Annual Conference. Rebecca Paustian, PE, Project Engineer, received the Younger Member of the Year Award, and Ben Patten, Area Manager, received the year’s New England Water Works State Leadership Award for Massachusetts.

Paustian’s award recognizes a NEWWA member under the age of 35 or new to the water works profession who has demonstrated outstanding service to the association through active participation in programs, committees, and/or presentations. She joined Woodard & Curran in 2018 after completing her master’s in environmental engineering from Oregon State University. She specializes in design, bidding, and construction for water system and treatment facility projects for clients in the municipal and institutional sector. In addition to playing a key role in our drinking water sector, Paustian is an active member of both NEWWA and Massachusetts Water Works Association (MWWA) and their respective young professional committees.

“Rebecca is highly deserving of this recognition for her dedication to the water industry, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding service to our clients,” said Srivalli Sukuru, Paustian’s people leader. “Through her technical excellence and active involvement in NEWWA and MWWA, she continues to make a meaningful impact on both our projects, our communities, and the profession as a whole.”

Winning NEWWA’s Younger Member of the Year award is an incredible honor. I’m grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have supported me throughout my career and inspired me to stay involved in our industry. This recognition motivates me to continue learning, contributing, and helping build the future of the water profession.

Rebecca Paustian, PE Project Engineer Drinking Water

Patten’s award recognizes an individual for their contributions to their state association and to the water works profession in general. Like Paustian, Patten is also an active member of the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA), Massachusetts Water Works Association (MWWA), and New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA). Since joining the industry with Woodard & Curran in 2013 as an Operator Trainee, he has advanced through a variety of operational and leadership roles. Now an Area Manager in the firm’s Operations & Maintenance group, Ben oversees drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater operations and leads teams serving communities throughout the region. Additionally, Patten founded the New England Water Workers network to help connect, support, and recognize water and wastewater professionals throughout the region.

“In addition to being an excellent water system operator, Ben has been an amazing ambassador for the industry with his activity in trade organizations and his social media skills,” said Ryan Sullivan, Patten’s people leader. “This is a well deserved award for Ben and a tribute to his dedication for providing safe, clean, drinking water to the communities that we serve.”

I’m honored and humbled to receive this recognition. When I joined Woodard & Curran in 2013 as an Operator Trainee, I never imagined where this profession would take me. Along the way, involvement with MWWA, NEWWA, and NEWEA has shaped my growth as both an operator and a leader through the support, encouragement, and knowledge shared by so many dedicated professionals. I’m grateful for the opportunities this industry has provided as I’ve progressed in my career. Receiving this award from organizations and a profession that has given so much to me is especially meaningful. I look forward to continuing to give back by supporting operators, encouraging future leaders, and helping inspire the next generation of water professionals.

Ben Patten Area Manager Operations & Management