2026 AEA ceremony honored a class whose achievements transform tomorrow

2026 AEA ceremony honored a class whose achievements transform tomorrow

September 28, 2026

Colleagues, friends and family tuned in virtually and turned out in person to celebrate the 2026 Administrator's Excellence Award winners during the Bonneville Power Administration's Sept. 23 ceremony. The recognition-filled day honored the commendable achievements and exemplary public service of 34 individuals and four teams across 13 award categories.

The Administrator's Excellence Awards are BPA's most distinguished annual accolades. AEA honors the initiative, superior service or exemplary acts of individuals and teams and their exceptional contributions to BPA's mission, the electric utility industry or the communities it serves. Awards may honor federal employees, contract personnel and external partners.

This year's AEA theme was WATT: Where Achievement Transforms Tomorrow. The theme celebrates the power of innovation, dedication and collaboration that propels BPA's mission forward. It also highlights the lasting effects of the awardees' collective achievements, acknowledging how today's excellence shapes the reliability, safety and success of tomorrow's energy landscape.

The celebration began with awardees, their guests and executives gathering near BPA's Portland headquarters to enjoy a private event hosted by Administrator Travis Kavulla. Meanwhile, hundreds of celebrants tuned in as the virtual awards ceremony aired on YouTube.

"Today is all about recognizing the talent, commitment and hard work of individuals who make BPA's vital mission possible every day," said Kavulla in his opening remarks during the virtual ceremony. "While it's true our high-voltage transmission grid and hydroelectric power keep the lights on in the Pacific Northwest, it's our workforce that keeps the system running and puts BPA's mission into action."

Following both events, a reception was held in the headquarters cafeteria, where awardees received their AEA trophies crafted in house by Transmission Specialty Services, took photos with the administrator and enjoyed the company of all who joined.

The Exceptional Service Award category, recognizing those who have made superior contributions to BPA's mission through excellence in a chosen field, had the most honorees with 11 award recipients.

Six award categories had lone recipients. Among those, a posthumous Eugene C. Starr Technical Achievement award was bestowed to electrical engineer Stephen Marx for his industry-changing contributions to transmission system protection and control. Several family members and friends attended the in-person events to commemorate his life and legacy.

Dave Kaplowe, supervisory fish and wildlife administrator, received the Exemplary or Courageous Act Award for saving the lives of distressed paddleboarders. Byron Kelly, Support Services supervisor, won the George Bell Community Outreach award for empowering Portland-area youth, particularly those from underserved communities, through his decades of volunteer work with the Leisure Hour Junior Gold Program, which teaches both golf fundamentals and lifelong values.

The Exceptional Public Service Award, reserved for external partners who publicly advance shared purposes and aid BPA's mission in the Northwest, was received by Ryan Neale, an attorney for the Western Public Agencies Group. Representing 28 public power utilities, Neale was instrumental to productive negotiations during the development of Bonneville's Provider of Choice long-term power contracts and accompanying rate design methodology. He helped BPA build credibility with its customers and strategically enhance the value of its products and services for the betterment of public power.

The Meritorious Service Award, the most prestigious AEA given to individuals for their extraordinary and sustained contribution to BPA's mission throughout a distinguished career, was accepted by two recipients. Tom Roseburg, electrical engineer, championed technological advancements and improved BPA's transmission system over a 53-year career. Kim Thompson, acting chief financial officer, has demonstrated unceasing dedication to Bonneville's mission since 2009, delivering the Northwest an economical and reliable power supply, especially in providing remarkable executive leadership for the multi-year Provider of Choice initiative.

To conclude the private in-person event, Chief Administrative Officer Robin Furrer stepped to the podium to share a few words. "Behind every statistic, every kilowatt delivered and every project completed are the real human stories we just witnessed - colleagues going above and beyond to serve our communities and our region," she said. "To all of today's honorees: thank you for setting the standard of excellence for us all."

Tags