Thomas Vyles Honored With 2026 Walter F. Snyder Environmental Health Award

NSF, a global human health organization, and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) have awarded the 2026 Walter F. Snyder Environmental Health Award to Thomas Vyles, REHS/RS, for his significant contributions to advancing public health throughout a distinguished decades-long career.

As a public servant, author, educator and scientist, Vyles has helped raise awareness, create standards and implement safety procedures for commercial swimming pools, wastewater systems, vector control programs and body art facilities, among many other areas.

“I’ve focused on employing sound science to improve the world around me for as long as I can remember; and this honor is deeply gratifying as it truly validates that commitment,” said Vyles. “This work cannot get done without the leadership of critical organizations such as NSF and NEHA that work tirelessly to advance human health every day.”

Founded in 1971, the Snyder Award honors Walter F. Snyder, co-founder and first executive director of NSF, and individuals who, like him, enhance the environmental and public health landscape through their work.

“Tom’s body of work and shared commitment to advancing human health are extraordinary, resulting in countless achievements across numerous critical public health concerns,” said Pedro Sancha, President and CEO of NSF. “His achievements as Chair of NSF Standard 50 and other organizations and his work at various public health departments in Texas are a testament to his enduring commitment to making the world a better place.”

Vyles has been Chair of NSF Standard 50 for the past 12 years where he has helped grow it into one of NSF’s largest and most influential consensus standards, while ushering in several notable improvements including the adoption of a Float Tank standard, a tiered standard for swimming pool test equipment, alternative surfacing for decks and splash pads, and a performance-based standard for filtration.

Widely recognized as a leader in the safe operation and management of commercial swimming pools, Vyles has been at the forefront of several innovations. In 2001, working as a senior health specialist for the city of Plano, Texas, he raised the standard in commercial swimming pool operator instruction in north Texas by requiring national certification. Later, as Environmental Health Manager in Flower Mound, Texas, he oversaw the commercial swimming pool, retail food, on-site sewage facility, and vector control programs.

Throughout his career, Vyles has been a regular at Environmental Health, Real Estate, and Parks and Recreation conferences speaking on pool safety and inspections to broad audiences. Vyles authored “Growth and Evolution of a Municipal Swimming Pool Program,” published in the Journal of Environmental Health in 2009.

Additionally, Vyles took an active role in the development of the first edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code and served as Vice Chair for Regulatory Program Administration at the organization. Additional leadership roles include serving as Region 5 Vice President for NEHA, President of the North Texas Chapter of the Texas Environmental Health Association (TEHA), and Chairman of the NSF Public Health Council.

Vyles graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1992 with a degree in Biology and earned a master’s in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.

"Tom represents the kind of professional who quietly leaves every organization, every standard, and every community better than he found it. His influence can be seen not only in the programs he has led and the standards he has helped shape, but also in the many professionals he has mentored along the way,” said Dr. David T. Dyjack, CEO and executive director of NEHA. “Our Association is proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for Mr. Vyles' enduring contributions to environmental public health."

The award was presented to Vyles on August 5 at the 2026 NEHA Annual Education Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Snyder Award nominations are open to the public, with recipients selected by a panel of environmental health leaders.