Celebrating exceptional public service
BPA's Administrator's Excellence Award ceremony celebrated public service, including the fostering of community by Public Power Underground
Public Power Underground was celebrated at the Bonneville Power Administration’s Administrator’s Excellence Award ceremony! Administrator Hairston presented me with an award for Exceptional Public Service for my contributions over its 4-year run.
The recognition is especially meaningful because the nomination was submitted by Doug Marker with contributions from Northwest electric service celebrities. I appreciate the kind words in support of the nomination from Joel Scruggs, BPA Chief of Communications; Rachel Dibble, BPA Vice President for Generation Asset Management; Crystal Ball, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee; Megan Capper, Energy Resources Manager at the Eugene Water & Electric Board; Humaria Falkenberg, Power Manager at Pacific PUD; Debra Smith, former General Manager & CEO of Seattle City Light; and Matt Schroettnig, Vice President for Policy and Legal Affairs at Northwest Requirements Utilities.
I’m humbled to be included in the group of 31 staff-nominated individuals and two teams that were recognized in the ceremony on September 17, 2025. The stories and speeches from the recipients were an inspiration for the good work being done to provide reliable and affordable electric service for the region. It was a wonderful day celebrating BPA’s mission, public service, and work that benefits communities throughout the region.
Public Power Underground has always been a group project. Even though I was the one recognized, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of family, collaborators, co-workers, colleagues, leaders, and friends. In true Public Power Underground fashion, we used the opportunity to collaborate on the acceptance speech with a montage of co-hosts, celebrities, guests, and contributors.
Below is the lightly edited acceptance speech from the video montage.
Public Power Underground was always about community and magic. Its magic was capturing moments in conversations when a question, a thought, or an expression unlocked vulnerability and enthusiasm.
Turns out, finding enthusiasm and vulnerability in colleagues is a way to build community. Especially in challenging times.
As we face challenges, disruptions, and problems, remember to look for opportunities in all of this. Believe in enthusiasm and vulnerability even when surrounded by skepticism and cynicism. And remember that we aren’t doing it alone. Ain’t no one in northwest public power alone.
Thank you for this chance to celebrate Public Power Underground. The magic it brought is a reflection of the magic of the wonderful community of public power and the outstanding public servants at the Bonneville Power Administration.
Keep believing in community and looking for opportunities to strengthen our community.
I hope you feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated.
Roll on, enthusiasts. Roll on.
A celebration of Public Power Underground is a celebration of the community it was a part of. Thank you for your contributions along the way and thank you for being part of the community of electric service enthusiasts.
Public Power Underground, for electric utility enthusiasts. Public Power Underground, IT’S WORK TO WATCH!






