​Name: Kathy Tyer, federal employee

Title: Legislative Liaison

Location: Washington D.C.

Region: Washington Liaison Office

When did you start working with WAPA? I started on Sept. 23, 2013, however, I started working in the WLO on April 10, 2010. I started my employment with the federal government on September 27, 1977.

What is the most interesting thing you have worked on at WAPA? I participated on a Rapid Improvement Team to seek legal authority that would allow WAPA to refinance high interest rates for projects that had rates above 5 percent on current debt owed.

What do you wish people understood about your job and the work you do? I would like them to understand that the work performed in the WLO is to constantly provide information about WAPA, and at the end of the day we are shaking our heads in disbelief that we have not produced a finished, paper product.

Tell us something about yourself we wouldn't find on your resume. I am a hydropower geek and I have a passion for developing ways to acquire legislative changes that would allow WAPA to expand its funding sources.

How is what you do tied to WAPA's mission? As one member of WAPA's liaison staff, being the eyes and ears for the administrator in DOE headquarters and the point of contact for the Office of Management and Budget, Congress and other utility entities allow me to proactively identify items of interest that may impact WAPA's mission and responsibilities. It also allows me to recommend solutions to the administrator and others as needed.