Summit Drilling is proud to announce that Dermot Dillon, our Vice President of Major Accounts, has been elected to the National Groundwater Association’s (NGWA) 2025 Board of Directors. This achievement is a testament to Dermot’s unwavering dedication to the groundwater and environmental industries, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him step into this important leadership role.
This achievement is a testament to Dermot’s unwavering dedication to the groundwater and environmental industries, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him step into this important leadership role.
For over 25 years, Dermot has been an active NGWA member and a passionate advocate for groundwater stewardship. His commitment to the industry extends to the New Jersey Groundwater Association, where he has served in multiple leadership roles—including Secretary, President, and now Past President.
Dermot’s career began in 1984, shaped in part by his early awareness of environmental issues, such as the Love Canal disaster near his hometown of Buffalo, NY. That experience sparked a lifelong mission to contribute to environmental causes.
“I remember watching the news as a kid and seeing these heartbreaking images of families being evacuated from their homes,” says Dermot. “People were getting sick, and at the time, we didn’t fully understand the long-term impacts of environmental contamination. But even then, I knew I wanted to do something about it. I didn’t know exactly what that meant at the time, but I knew I wanted to help prevent tragedies like that from happening again.”
His passion led him into the environmental drilling industry, eventually bringing him to New Jersey, where he has built a career spanning four decades and counting. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this career is seeing real, tangible results,” Dermot shares. “I can drive by a location today that was once a contaminated site and now see a thriving business, a park, or even a school. Knowing that I played a small role in that transformation is incredibly fulfilling.”
As an industry veteran, Dermot has always sought ways to give back—especially when it comes to mentoring young professionals and supporting workforce development. “I have always believed that if an industry gives you a career, a sense of purpose, and a livelihood, you owe it to that industry to give something back,” he explains. “Right now, one of the biggest challenges we face is the workforce. Where do we find good help, and who will step up as the next generation of environmental remediation leaders? It’s up to us to create pathways for new professionals, train them, and show them that this is not just a job, but a meaningful and rewarding career.”
To help address this challenge, NGWA has partnered with Oklahoma State University to offer NGWA University, an online training program that provides education and career paths in the groundwater industry. “We have to show young professionals that there’s a future in this industry,” Dermot emphasizes. “Programs like NGWA University are critical because they provide structured training, career guidance, and financial support for those interested in entering the field. It’s about more than just getting a job—it’s about building expertise, advancing careers, and ensuring that our industry remains strong for decades to come.”
At its core, NGWA’s mission is to advance the expertise of groundwater professionals and further groundwater awareness and protection through education and outreach. For Dermot, this mission is personal. “So many people take clean water for granted,” he says. “They turn on the faucet and expect fresh, safe water to come out. But that’s not the reality for everyone. There are communities across the country that still struggle with contaminated water supplies. If I can contribute in even a small way to improving groundwater resources and protecting public health, then I feel like I’ve done my job.”
When asked what he is most proud of in his career, Dermot doesn’t hesitate. “Hands down, it’s the relationships I’ve built over the years,” he reflects. “I’ve been in this industry long enough to see guys who started out in the field with me now running their own companies or stepping into executive roles. We’ve grown together, supported each other, and stayed connected through the years. Many of these people started out as colleagues or customers, but over time, they’ve become lifelong friends. That, to me, is just as valuable as any project I’ve worked on.”
Summit Drilling is privileged to have a leader like Dermot, whose dedication extends beyond his professional work to mentoring the next generation of groundwater professionals. His election to the NGWA Board of Directors is a well-earned honor, and we have no doubt that his leadership will make a lasting impact on the industry.
Please join us in congratulating Dermot Dillon on this outstanding achievement!
Well done, Dermot! We are proud to have you as part of the Summit Drilling family.
