June 28, 2000

CONTACT: Nancy Mitchell

720-962-7054 mitchell@wapa.gov

PHOENIX, Ariz. — An Avondale resident received the Western Area Power Administration’s highest honor here today.
Western Administrator Mike Hacskaylo presented the Exceptional Service Award to Frances G. Telles, assistant regional manager for management at Western’s Desert Southwest Office in Phoenix.
“The Exceptional Service Awards are a positive way to recognize some of our most valued employees. They are symbols of what we as an agency have accomplished and the great things we hope to achieve together in the future,” noted Hacskaylo.
Telles joined Western as assistant area manager for management service in the Phoenix Area Office in 1992. During her tenure with Western she has consistently shared her ideas and willingly participated in special studies and projects, lending her unmatched enthusiasm for new endeavors and challenges.
As assistant regional manager for management, Telles encourages feedback and creates a positive work environment where high performance is rewarded. Co-worker Mary Oretta commented, “She is very customer focused and is an enthusiastic proponent of continuous improvement principles. She is open to new ideas and change and is not tied to doing things as they have been done in the past.”
Telles attended New Mexico State University and lives with her husband, Fred, and their daughter Cynthia, 19. When she isn’t working as a volunteer at the Arizona Science Bowl or devoting time to her church, Telles enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Western Area Power Administration markets and transmits reliable, low-cost electric power, provides related services and encourages energy efficient management in an environmentally sound manner. Western’s service area covers 1.3 million square miles in 15 western states.