LAKEWOOD, Colo.,—Scottsbluff resident Steve Smith will receive Western Area Power Administration’s highest honor at a ceremony June 26 at Western’s Gering Field Office. Western’s Administrator Mike Hacskaylo will present him with Western’s Exceptional Service Award during the ceremony. The award recognizes individuals who go the extra mile to help Western reach its Strategic Plan goals.
    “I congratulate Steve Smith for his outstanding contributions to Western. He exemplifies our values. His skills, initiative and commitment help to make Western a premier power marketing and transmission organization,” said Hacskaylo.
    Smith, an electrician foreman II receives Western’s highest honor for his ability to develop and retain key staff. He devoted time to promoting the career growth of an electrician apprentice on the Gering electrician crew.
    He also worked hard to raise the expertise level of other team members. Over the years, he has demonstrated his ability to apply sound business principles in making decisions.
     Smith has spent the last 11 years working for Western’s Rocky Mountain Region in the Gering Field Office. Starting as a journeyman electrician in the Nebraska Maintenance Division, he has developed his skills to become a key expert in the region.
    Smith is not just a trainer, but also a leader. He assumed project management responsibilities for the Stegall Substation Breaker Replacement Project—quite a task since Stegall is the largest substation in the Wyoming/Nebraska Division. The project included replacing nine circuit breakers, new double-ended station service equipment and many other activities.
     Originally from Neligh, Neb., Smith now lives in Scottsbluff with his wife Diane. He has three adult daughters: Shannon, 25, Mindee, 22 and Kristine, 18. He spends his free time with his family, including his grandchild. Smith also likes hunting, golfing and woodworking.
Western Exceptional Award recipients:
• Are recognized as experts in their fields
• Consistently go above and beyond what is normally expected on a long-term basis
• Perform additional assignments, such as dedicated participation on committees or task forces
• Involve themselves in outside activities that reflect favorably on Western
• Help accomplish the goals of Western’s Strategic Plan
    Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 10,000 megawatts of power from hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 15 western and central states. It is part of the Department of Energy.