FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2001

CONTACT: Carolyn Hinkley, 720-962-7054, hinkley@wapa.gov                    

LAKEWOOD, Colo.--Evergreen resident Theresa Williams received Western Area Power Administration's highest honor today at a ceremony at the agency's Corporate Services Office in Lakewood. Western Administrator Mike Hacskaylo presented the Exceptional Service Award to Williams, manager of Western's Administrative Support office.

"I congratulate Theresa Williams for making outstanding daily contributions to Western," said Hacskaylo. "She exemplifies the values we have outlined in our Strategic Plan, including a commitment to safety, technical improvement, diversity and customer focus. Because of her skills, initiative and commitment, Western is a premier power marketing and transmission organization."

Williams is recognized for her vision and leadership on several major projects that have helped Western to do business more efficiently. These include the Corporate Services Office construction and relocation; Western's Electric Power Training Center remodel; and CSO communication system installation. She is also recognized for the innovative and intuitive way she leads her staff.

The Exceptional Service Award is the highest departmental honor that can be granted by Western's Administrator. Criteria to earn this recognition include:

• outstanding service or an established record of achievement
• accomplishing assigned responsibilities in an exemplary manner
• demonstrating unusual initiative in contributing to organizational efficiency or improved management
• outstanding executive or technical ability
• unusual devotion to duty under adverse conditions

Western Area Power Administration markets and transmits reliable, cost-based hydroelectric power and related services. Western's service area covers 1.3 million square miles in 15 western and central states.

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