Laura Simpson Receives Women of Excellence Award

NPMA President-Elect Russ Ives (left) presents the NPMA Women of Excellence Award to Laura Simpson (right).

ORLANDO, Fla. — Laura Simpson, president of Dugas Pest Control, Baton Rouge, La., was announced as the 2014 NPMA Women of Excellence Award winner, prior to the Thursday general session at PestWorld.

Simpson, a second generation pest management professional, began working in the family business shortly after graduating from Louisiana State University and took over as president of her company in 1996. She has been extraordinarily active in the Louisiana Pest Management Association, having served multiple times on all of its committees and eventually serving as president of the association.

Said NPMA President-Elect Russ Ives, “Laura brought that leadership with her to NPMA where she has served on numerous committees and the Professional Women in Pest Management Council.  In 2004, she was appointed to the NPMA Board of Directors as an associate member of the Board and she was elected to the Board as an at-large member in 2007. In 2012, she was elected to serve as president of NPMA and demonstrated to everyone the definition of grace under pressure.”

The NPMA Women of Excellence Award recognizes women who advance the pest management industry every day, in every way. The international honor drew nominations from across the pest management industry including PMPs, manufacturers, research organizations, etc. These individuals demonstrate outstanding leadership and have made notable contributions to the development and growth of the profession, their business, and other women in the industry. The NPMA Women of Excellence Award recognizes women in the pest control industry that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and have made notable contributions to the development and growth of other women in the industry.

In accepting the award, Simpson said, "I love association work. I love this industry and it's been a joy for me to be a part of this — thank you all for this award."