Georgeson awarded Minnesota's Environmental Health Professional of the Year

Tony Georgeson, Environmental Health Specialist, has been awarded the Frank A. Staffenson Award, given to the Minnesota Environmental Health Professional of the Year. The annual award is presented to a Minnesota Environmental Health Association member for outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession. He was nominated by nine county agencies and several peers within the field. In his nearly 21-year career in environmental health, Tony has significantly contributed to innovating services and enhancing technological resources for environmental health professionals statewide. His use of cutting edge technology to build and implement a modern data collection system has dramatically improved efficiencies and data collection accuracy for so many.

Otter Tail County Public Health, as part of the Partnership4Health Community Health Board, began their environmental health program in 2016. Environmental Health Specialists or Sanitarians are responsible for addressing safety requirements for food, beverage and lodging in the County. Three local sanitarians issue licenses, respond to complaints, and perform sampling of non-public water supplies. Georgeson was a strong part of the success to the launch of the local jurisdictional program, bringing his years of experience and technological insights.

Georgeson has made a difference in mentoring newcomers to the field as well. Monique Erickson, Otter Tail County Sanitarian, was one of several people to nominate Georgeson for the prestigious award, "Tony deserves to be awarded Environmental Health Specialist of the Year because he has not only been a great mentor to me but has made a huge impact on agencies throughout the state."

"I am proud to have been nominated by my peers and to have an impact at the state level," said Georgeson.

He is the son of Edith Goergeson of New Rockford.