WAPA honors 2024 ESA winner Amy Blalock 

The Exceptional Service Award, WAPA’s highest honor, recognizes employees who consistently go above and beyond, contribute to critical projects or committees and advance WAPA’s strategic plan through exceptional performance and external activities. This year’s winners exemplify these qualities, showcasing remarkable dedication, innovation and leadership that have profoundly impacted WAPA and its communities. Their contributions reflect WAPA’s core values and help drive the organization’s mission forward, ensuring reliable, affordable power for millions across the western United States.  

Amy Blalock: Leading the way in grid modernization and mentorship 

Amy Blalock started her WAPA career in 2010 based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as part of the Student Career Experience Program. For nine years, she worked in various locations in the Rocky Mountain region before taking on the role of Foreman II at the Desert Southwest region’s Parker Substation in 2019. 

Blalock earned her expert recognition by leading the replacement of 10 oil breakers and 14 switches at the Parker Substation. This complex project required extensive planning, with outages scheduled a year in advance and support from multi-craft crews and apprentices from other regions. Additionally, Blalock oversaw the modernization of the station service in the 230-kilovolt yard, contributing to the Power Forward 2030 grid modernization goal. This project was completed on time and under budget, earning praise from the Parker Dam Facility Manager for improving equipment reliability and employee safety. 

Blalock is dedicated to developing future technicians and leaders at WAPA. She has demonstrated her commitment to workforce development and training excellence by serving on several key committees. She has also chaired the DSW Regional Joint Craft Training Committee, mentoring apprentices and trainee craftsmen and she leads the Western Joint Craft Training Electrician Subcommittee, collaborating with vendors to select top apprenticeship training courses. 

Known for her determination, Blalock readily assists others and is skilled at overcoming challenges. Her resilience and problem-solving abilities reassure and inspire those who work with her.