The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is one of the most ambitious and consequential rural water infrastructure efforts undertaken in the western United States in recent years, and this year, both the Regional Engineer of the Year and Regional Project Manager of the Year awards are being given to employees who work on this large-scale, complex project.
"It is an immense honor to have two of our employees, Malcom Begay and Shannon Hatch, recognized across the Upper Colorado Basin Region for their accomplishments," said Four Corners Construction Office Manager and Project Engineer Bart Deming. “Their dedication, innovation, and remarkable leadership have not only driven the success of critical projects but have also set a benchmark for excellence within our office and beyond. They are truly outstanding professionals who exemplify the spirit of Reclamation’s mission, and we are lucky to have them on our team.”
Last week these awards were presented at the Upper Colorado Basin Leadership Team’s quarterly meeting, held virtually.
2026 Regional Engineer of the Year
Malcolm M. Begay
Four Corners Construction Office Engineer Malcom Begay was named Reclamation’s Upper Colorado Basin Region’s Engineer of the Year. This award recognizes his outstanding contributions to engineering demonstrated by his leadership, innovation, and technical expertise on the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.
As the sole civil engineer in the Design and Commissioning Group at the Four Corners Construction Office, Begay ensured continued progress on the NGWSP.
“Thank you for carrying the burden serving as sole engineer in the Design and Commissioning Group and for exemplifying the best of things of the engineering profession, including your contributions to the critical work of Indian water rights settlements,” said Regional Director Wayne Pullan.
Begay’s leadership advanced major components of the project, including Pumping Plant 1, Block 2-3 pipelines, the River Intake Pumping Plant, and the Reach 21 DZ Booster Tank. Begay also led design data collection for the Frank Chee Willetto Reservoir and San Juan Lateral turnout buildings. His strategic thinking and collaborative approach have been vital to keeping the NGWSP on track to meet its Congressional deadline.
Moncef Tihami, Begay’s supervisor, explained how Begay and the NGWSP are a perfect fit for one another, since Begay is a Navajo from Kirkland who knows the land and the area well.
Calling Begay a “superman with negative drama with work ethics second to none,” Tihami described Begay to have deep technical capabilities to get through challenges, as well as the wisdom to elevate, the savvy to disarm, and the passion to make the most of his workday every day.
Begay expressed his surprise as being selected for the award and noted that seeing the hardships of the Navajo Nation is what inspires him in this work.
“I feel that we’re making an impact here, giving the Navajo people a more reliable and safe water system that they can use for the future. That’s what pushes me to get this thing done,” said Begay.
2025 Project Manager of the Year
Shannon Hatch
Four Corners Construction Office Project Manager Shannon Hatch was named Reclamation’s Upper Colorado Basin Region’s Project Manager of the Year. This award recognizes her exceptional leadership in managing over $200 million in Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project features.
“This is a well-deserved award, and Shannon is one of our top performers and a star in the FCCO,” said Deming during the award presentation. “Because of her work we have been able to make milestones that were incredibly important to meet the overall NGWSP schedule.”
Hatch’s work on pumping plants, pipelines, and the Frank Chee Willetto Reservoir has been vital to advancing this $2.2 billion project and directly supports the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water to the Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, and City of Gallup. Hatch consistently navigated complex challenges while keeping teams aligned and milestones on track and her dedication and expertise exemplify the highest standards of public service.
“Indian water rights settlements and the infrastructure that makes that water supply available is the unfinished work of our Nation,” said Pullan during the awards presentation. “It is among the most important things we do and certainly the most satisfying. Shannon, congrats to you – we are grateful for you and your work.”
Pullan also pointed out that Hatch’s award featured a photo of the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant currently under construction and noted how meaningful it is that it exists because of Hatch’s work as part of Reclamation.
Congratulations to Malcom and Shannon!
