Mid-West honors Bob Riehl

by Carolyn Hinkley

In his 30 years handling Upper Great Plains' marketing, rates and repayment, UGP Power Marketing Manager Bob Riehl has provided invaluable expertise to employees, customers and industry partners on issues related to the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin—Eastern Division. For his historical knowledge, insight and contributions to the Federal Power Program, Riehl was awarded the prestigious Frederick G. Simonton Distinguished Service Award at the Dec. 10 Mid-West Electric Consumer’s Annual Meeting, in Denver.

Mid-West Executive Director Tom Graves presented Riehl and former Western Administrator J. M. Shafer with the award and recognized them for their significant contributions to public power. Award recipients may be chosen from either the Federal or private sector.

"We have two recipients today. Both have demonstrated over the years an untiring dedication to the principles of the Federal Power Program," said Graves. "They have led through example and have set a standard of excellence for all."

Graves specifically recognized Riehl for working "tirelessly on behalf of Pick-Sloan Federal power customers. His integrity and knowledge have made him an indispensable member of the Pick-Sloan team."

A North Dakota native, Riehl learned a strong work ethic from growing up on a farm. He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Carroll College in Helena, Mont. Before joining the Federal Power Program, he was a teacher in rural Montana.

He attributed his Midwestern roots for guiding him into a career that allowed him to serve the public. "Getting this award was impressive from my standpoint," Riehl said, noting that he was pretty surprised by the honor. "This award exemplifies a lot of what we do in support of our customers, not just the customers in this region but all of Western. I grew up on a family farm where neighbors helped neighbors. I have a job that allows me to work together with folks who are trying to make the world a better place."

He embarked on his Federal career in 1977 at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation before transferring to the then newly-created Western. After 11 years working on power contracts, Riehl moved over to work on power rates in 1988. In 1991, he was named Rates Manager for the former Billings Area Office. In 2003, he was appointed Power Marketing Manager.

"Bob's work as a teacher and his training in mathematics gave him a special set of talents to bring to his work," said Graves. "His experience as a teacher gave Bob the skills and the patience to teach us much more than the complexities of Pick-Sloan. He has given us an inestimable gift in passing on his dedication, integrity and knowledge.

"A dedicated Federal employee and true son of the Great Plains, we salute Bob Riehl," toasted Graves.

The Frederick G. Simonton Distinguished Service Award has been awarded since 1986 in memory of Frederick G. Simonton, Mid-West's executive director for 22 years. It is awarded to individuals whose exceptional performance has made a difference for the people of the Missouri River Basin and the nationwide Federal Power Program.

(Note: Hinkley is a public affairs specialist in Corporate Communications.)