Leading With Purpose: The Keith Johnston Individual of the Year Award
Some people do not just do their jobs. They shape the culture around them, lift up those around them and leave a co-op better than they found it. The Keith Johnston Individual of the Year Award was created to recognise people who embody these qualities.
Named after founding director Keith Johnston of the Josephburg Water Co-op, this accolade honours an exceptional volunteer or staff member whose leadership, initiative and commitment to serving their water co-operative have meaningfully advanced the Water Federation's mission. Keith was a lifelong volunteer who gave over 20 years to the Strathcona County Volunteer Fire Department, and his name is a fitting tribute to those who give generously without expectation of recognition. His legacy reflects the same qualities we see in today’s recipients: steady leadership, quiet service and a commitment to community.
Water Federation Executive Director, Chris Hancock, reflected on Keith’s influence and the spirit behind the award. “Keith Johnston was well known within our community as someone who served others without asking for anything in return. The people we are honouring with this award share the same spirit.”
This year, two individuals were recognised at the Water Federation AGM in April for their leadership and lasting contributions.
2026 Recipients
Jordan Lee, Georgian Delrich Water Co-op
Jordan is a cornerstone of day-to-day operations at Georgian Delrich Water Co-op. Bringing deep technical expertise to aging infrastructure, Jordan is the go-to person for troubleshooting, coordinating maintenance and overseeing repairs. Beyond the technical work, Jordan has been committed to sharing knowledge and strengthening the co-op's overall capacity, ensuring skills and experience grow across the team rather than staying with one person. This approach has created a co-op that is more resilient and better prepared for the future.
Jacques Hebert, Ranchers Hill Water Co-op
A retired engineer and lead operator with over two decades of leadership, Jacques has guided Ranchers Hill through complex regulatory changes over the years, while maintaining strong safety standards. He has played a key role in implementing improvements at the co-op, including adding automated chlorination, and has regularly supported other co-ops by sharing his knowledge to help others make improvements. Jacques’ leadership has helped raise standards not only within his own co-op but across the broader system.
Together, Jordan and Jacques reflect the purpose, generosity and steady leadership that define this award. To honour their contributions, each recipient was presented with a piece from Albertan artists Pam Wilman and Luise-Mendler Johnson. The Water Federation thanks them for their dedication.
