MEET THE JUDGES
Having toiled on the front lines of the film industry and the water conservation movement, this panel of experts judged the competition finalists based on their ability to creatively address the issue of responsible water use.
Doug Bennett
Conservation Manager, Southern Nevada Water Authority
Doug began his career "in the trenches" in 1980 as a landscape maintenance and irrigation technician. Armed with a bachelor's degree in agriculture and a master's degree in business, he served eight years as an Assistant Professor for New Mexico State University, promoting Xeriscaping and efficient landscape irrigation techniques.
In 1995, Doug joined the City of Albuquerque where he developed and managed a variety of water-efficiency programs, including landscape conversion rebates, water waste enforcement, residential retrofit audits, appliance and fixture rebates and green industry education.
Since 2000, Doug has been Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, managing the nation's largest conservation incentive programs and coordinating regional water-efficiency efforts for the Las Vegas area.
Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd
Director of Marketing, PR and Special Events, Denver Botanic Gardens
Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd is the director of marketing, public relations and special events for the Denver Botanic Gardens as well as a board member for the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). With sustainability being one of the Gardens' core values, Jennifer drives communication and programming aimed at informing individuals and organizations on water-efficient landscaping best practices for the Rocky Mountain region. As part of her work with the APGA, Jennifer helped develop and launch National Public Gardens Day to draw attention to the important role public gardens play in promoting water and plant conservation in communities across the country. Beyond those roles, Jennifer - along with fellow judge Jim Thebaut - is organizing the International Water Summit at the United Nations: Building a Global Awareness and Education Campaign, to take place September 16 at the UN in New York. Prior to joining the Denver Botanic Gardens, Jennifer was a brand manager with Rain Bird, where she spearheaded the company's Intelligent Use of Water initiatives.
Patrick Roberts
Group Publisher, Golfdom and Landscape Management Magazines
Patrick Roberts is group publisher of Golfdom and Landscape Management magazines. Holding a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati, Roberts joined Questex Media as Golfdom's western regional sales manager in June 2001. In December 2004, Roberts advanced to publisher of the magazine and assumed additional responsibilities as Associate Publisher of Landscape Management, Golfdom's sister magazine. In 2010, Roberts advanced to publisher of that publication as well.
Serving the Green Industry for a decade, Roberts has spent countless hours meeting with golf course superintendents, landscapers and irrigation contractors, discussing their hopes and concerns about water usage, and how that message can best be portrayed in Golfdom and Landscape Management. Those discussions led to the two publications' award-winning Water Wise editorial series - annual, three-part special reports delivering water-usage trends and tips and detailing ongoing and emerging water conservation obstacles and opportunities.
Philip Sokoloski
Manager of Communications, FilmL.A.
Philip Sokoloski, manager of communications at FilmL.A., is responsible for the planning, execution and measurement of the nonprofit's strategic communication initiatives. Since joining FilmL.A. in 2002, Sokoloski has held several positions in administration and communication management. He now focuses on expanding the company's reach and reputation while helping to demystify the film permit process for filmmakers and community members in Los Angeles. Sokoloski holds a M.A. in Strategic Public Relations from University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication. He and his family reside in Glendale, California.
Jim Thebaut
Chief Executive Officer, the Chronicles Group, Inc.
As CEO, President and Executive Producer of the Chronicles Group, Jim Thebaut has influenced critical public policy regarding the global water crisis and its dire effect on international security. He has managed multi-disciplinary teams and created documentary feature projects THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST: ARE WE RUNNING DRY?, RUNNING DRY and THE COLD WAR AND BEYOND.
Most importantly, Jim organized a series of Capital Hill Events that led to the enactment of the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act, which authorizes funding for water and sanitation in developing nations.
As an Executive Producer and journalist, Jim has strived to educate, motivate and entertain international audiences through his socially significant and acclaimed films. He has been affiliated and produced for CBS, ABC News, HBO, The Arts & Entertainment Network and Public Television and his films have been distributed and broadcast throughout the world.