FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2020
CONTACT: Philip Reed, mediarelations@wapa.gov, 720-962-7063
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Four Western Area Power Administration employees have been recognized with Gears of Government Awards for 2020.
An individual award went to Management and Program Analyst Lynette Wright for leading 15 Department of Energy process improvement project teams, identifying 27 processes and 280 data elements across 23 functional areas and regional offices for improvement. Wright’s work helped DOE to shift from low-value to high-value work, resulting in more than $1 million in cost savings.
A team award went to Chief of Staff Melissa Ardis, Vegetation Management Specialist Neilie Goodwin and Electronic Integrated Systems Mechanic Brian Little, along with two U.S. Forest Service employees. They received the award for developing plans to safely clear vegetation around WAPA transmission lines. The team partnered with other agencies to ensure the continuous flow of power and reduce the risk of fire while maintaining regulatory compliance.
“This is the second year for the Gears of Government Awards, and WAPA employees have won both years,” said Administrator and CEO Mark A. Gabriel in his announcement. “Every one of us should be proud of that achievement, and I am certain our excellent work will continue to be recognized into the future.”
The Gears of Government Awards are sponsored by the Executive Office of the President. They recognize individuals and teams across the federal workforce whose dedication supports exceptional delivery of key outcomes for the American people, specifically around mission results, customer service and accountable stewardship.
“It is my great pleasure that several of our exceptional employees have been recognized with Gears of Government Awards,” said Gabriel. “Thank you, all of you, for making WAPA such a great place to work and for serving like your lights depend on it.”
The complete list of winners is available on the Gears of Government website.
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About WAPA: Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 28,000 gigawatt-hours of clean, renewable power from 57 federal hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and International Boundary and Water Commission in 15 western and central states. It is part of the Department of Energy. Follow us on Twitter @WesternAreaPowr or visit the website at www.wapa.gov.
Last modified on September 12th, 2023