ASTM International’s plastic piping systems committee (F17) presented its Frank W. Reinhart and Henry “Butch” Kuhlman Award to Deanne Hughes, McElroy Director of IT systems and industry liaison.
The award recognizes grateful acknowledgement of faithful and significant contributions in furthering the cause of sound and effective plastics piping standardization as exemplified by Frank W. Reinhart and Henry W. Kuhlman, charter members of committee F17.
“I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive this award,” says Hughes. “To be connected in any way to the legacy of Mr. Reinhart and Mr. Kuhlman is incredibly meaningful. Their work helped shape the very foundation of our industry, and it’s a reminder that everything we do today is built on their contributions—we stand on the shoulders of giants.”
Hughes is a licensed professional engineer in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. In her career as an environmental engineer, she has worked to help companies both meet regulatory requirements and support long-term sustainability. Since joining ASTM in 2017, Hughes has also helped define best practices in her field through standards development. She has been honored with the Special Service Award (2021) and the Award of Appreciation (2023).
In addition to ASTM, Hughes is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the American Gas Association (AGA), the Gas Piping Technology Committee, and the Plastics Pipe Institute.
Hughes earned her master of science degree in civil/environmental engineering from Stanford University in 1993, and her bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Tulsa in 1992.