PHOENIX: -- Phoenix resident Jim Hartzell received Western Area Power Administration’s highest honor today at a ceremony at Western's Desert Southwest Regional Office. Western Administrator Mike Hacskaylo presented the Exceptional Service Award to Hartzell, an electrical engineer.

"I congratulate Jim Hartzell for making outstanding daily contributions to Western," said Hacskaylo. "He exemplifies the values we have outlined in our People Goal in Western's Strategic Plan, including a commitment to safety, technical improvement, diversity and customer focus. His skills, initiative and commitment help to make Western a premier power marketing and transmission organization."

Hartzell is recognized for managing several major projects for the region including negotiating and developing project-scoping agreements with other agencies and contractors.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Jim earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University in 1971. He joined Western in 1985.

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