Herrington Receives ASBPA’s Highest Individual Honor at Centennial Conference

Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI) Acting Director Tom Herrington was presented with the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association's (ASBPA) 2026 Morrough P. O'Brien Award during its National Coastal Conference Centennial Celebration in Atlantic City on Oct. 7. The award is the highest honor given annually to an individual on the basis of an outstanding record in achieving the objectives and ideals of ASBPA, and for major direct contributions to the association.

In a letter informing Herrington of his nomination, the organization credited him with expanding opportunities for students to collaborate with the ASBPA and participate in its activities. As a member of the ASBPA Board of Directors, he was also commended for helping shape discussions and initiatives on critical issues including coastal storm impacts, sea-level rise, climate adaptation, and sustainable shoreline management.

"His contributions are remarkable: decades of leadership in coastal science and engineering, more than 75 publications, vital work in hazard mitigation and climate adaptation, and an enduring record of service to ASBPA," Executive Director Nicole Elko said during the award ceremony. "In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and countless efforts before and since, Tom has been a clear, credible, and compassionate voice - one who understands that protecting our shores also means protecting homes, livelihoods, ecosystems, and the character of the places we love."

Before accepting the award, Herrington reflected on the honor of being associated with O'Brien, a University of California, Berkeley College of Engineering dean from 1943-59 who he acknowledged as "the founder of modern coastal engineering."

"One of my greatest joys is to watch our students graduate and go on to meaningful, productive professional careers," Herrington said. "I'd like to think that in some little way, I continue Dean O'Brien's tradition of pairing great researchers and great students to achieve great things."

Elko recently interviewed Herrington about his career and the state of coastal resilience in New Jersey on the ASBPA's "Shaping Shores" podcast. In 2016, Herrington also received the ASBPA Robert G. Dean Coastal Academic Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to coastal research, education, and service.

Herrington moderated a panel at the ASBPA conference and delivered a presentation on nature-based solutions for marsh restoration in Barnegat Bay and Little Egg Harbor. Also at the event, UCI Meredith Comi presented on her work creating and researching an oyster reef at Naval Weapons Station Earle and UCI Senior Ocean Policy Fellow Tony MacDonald moderated a panel discussion on coastal zone management issues in the region.