2026 Board of Directors Nominees

The Irrigation Association has announced the following three nominees to serve on the IA Board of Directors. These individuals’ terms would begin at the conclusion of the 2026 Irrigation Show and Education Week. Directors are elected to three-year terms, and they work to establish the association’s strategic direction, policies and programs. Ballots will be sent to designated IA voting contacts the first week of September with results announced prior to the 2026 Irrigation Show and Education Week.

Bryce Carnehl

Specification Marketing Manager
Hunter Industries, Inc. (Manufacturer)

Bryce Carnehl has more than 20 years of experience in the landscape industry, with a career spanning construction, landscape architecture, sales, corporate social responsibility, marketing, and industry advocacy. At Hunter Industries, he leads initiatives that support landscape professionals through specification, design, education, market development, and strategic industry partnerships. Bryce is passionate about demonstrating the economic, environmental, and community value of healthy landscapes and advancing the role of efficient irrigation within the built environment. Throughout his career, he has worked collaboratively with industry organizations, design professionals, contractors, manufacturers, and policymakers to strengthen the landscape profession, create business opportunities, promote responsible water use, and help build more resilient communities.

““Through both my professional work and volunteer involvement with the IA Advocacy Committee, I have come to appreciate the importance of balancing technical innovation, practical implementation, water stewardship, and the diverse perspectives represented across the industry. I view the Board's role as helping provide strategic direction, fostering collaboration across sectors, and helping develop a unified voice that advances the industry responsibly and sustainably.”

Amber Clark

Principal
Hydrosystems KDI, Inc. (Consultant)

Amber Clark, CID, is an irrigation designer and industry professional with more than 20 years of experience spanning technical design, project leadership, client relationships, and interdisciplinary coordination. Her work has given her a broad perspective on the challenges facing designers, contractors, agencies, manufacturers, and the communities they serve. She currently chairs the Irrigation Association’s Landscape Irrigation Advocacy Advisory Group and has taught industry and contractor education courses. Amber is passionate about strengthening collaboration across the irrigation profession, advancing responsible water use, and translating complex technical issues into practical solutions that support both the industry and the communities it serves.

“I am interested in serving on the IA Board of Directors because I care deeply about the long-term health, credibility, and sustainability of the irrigation industry. Over the course of my career, I have seen how rapidly changing water demands, technology, regulations, value-engineering and public perception are reshaping the way our industry operates, and I believe thoughtful, collaborative leadership will be essential in helping the industry adapt successfully.”

Stacia Davis Conger

Assistant Professor
Louisiana State University - Agricultural Center (Technical)

Stacia L. Davis Conger, Ph.D., E.I., is an Associate Professor and State Extension Irrigation Specialist with the LSU AgCenter, where she leads statewide research, education, and outreach programs focused on irrigation water management, water conservation, drought resilience, and sustainable agricultural production. With a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from the University of Florida, her work spans agricultural, landscape, and horticultural irrigation systems. Her research has led to the development of the Drought Irrigation Response Tool (DIRT) released in 2024, several evaluations of smart irrigation technologies, and promotion of best management practices that improve water-use efficiency and resource stewardship.

Dr. Conger has been an active member of the Irrigation Association and frequent attendee and presenter at the Irrigation Show and Education Conference since 2008. Starting in 2015, she volunteered for several IA committees including the SWAT Promotions Working Group, Awards Working Group, and Irrigation E3 Working Group. Also, she coordinates full-day educational classes that meet state license recertification requirements for landscape irrigation contractors on behalf of the Louisiana Irrigation Association, an IA member organization. Through extensive collaboration with producers, irrigation professionals, conservation organizations, and researchers, she advances practical solutions that enhance irrigation efficiency, economic sustainability, and water resilience across Louisiana and beyond.

“I envision this as an opportunity to use my skillset as an engineer, scientist, and extension professional to continue to advance the mission of the Irrigation Association. While I realize this position is considered a leadership role, I truly consider participation on the IA Board of Directors as the ultimate opportunity to serve the industry.”