[Pest World 2011] Pest World 2011: A Bayou Bash

Potter Receives NPMA's Highest Honor

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) presented Dr. Michael Potter with its 2011 Pinnacle Award at PestWorld.

The award honors an individual who has contributed not only to the success of the association but to the industry as a whole over a lifetime or career.

In presenting the award, NPMA President Ray Johnson said Potter "embodies all of the qualities" the award represents.

Recognized by PCT Magazine as one of the 25 most influential people in the pest control industry, Potter's career began in the agrichemicals industry as a research entomologist and manager of insecticides at Union Carbide in Raleigh, N.C. He then accepted a position as national technical director with Orkin. He left Orkin in 1991 for a unique opportunity at the University of Kentucky, where his position included urban, medical and horticultural entomology.

Johnson added, "[Potter] leads cutting-edge research on perimeter treatment for termites and authored a revision of the Termite Chapter of The Mallis Handbook. He's also one of the world's leading experts on the global bed bug epidemic and provides counsel to NPMA, the hotel industry, homeowners, and property management firms worldwide."

In accepting the award, Potter said, "I look at the people in the past who have won this award and I am truly honored to be named in the same company."

Jennifer Leggett Presented with 2011 NPMA Women of Excellence Award

Jennifer Leggett, president of Lindsey Pest Services, was presented with the Women of Excellence Award at PestWorld 2011 in New Orleans. The award, presented by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and Orkin, is given annually to a female pest management professional who has made significant contributions to the pest control industry. The international honor was open to women across the profession. NPMA received numerous nominations for talented female professionals who make notable contributions to the development and growth of the profession and other women.

NPMA President-Elect Laura Simpson, Dugas Pest Control, Baton Rouge, La., and John Wilson, president of Orkin USA, presented the award to Leggett.

Leggett first became a service technician in 1987 and bought her company in 1992. Since that time, she has been very active in the industry through participation in state, national and international initiatives to advance the industry and its professionals. Examples of her involvement include her current position as chair of NPMA's Professional Women in Pest Management and president of FPMA.