A second local public utility official has been honored by the American Public Power Association (APPA) with a national award for their contributions and service to their communities and customers.
Kissimmee Utility Authority Chairman Manuel Ortega received the Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award, which recognizes elected or appointed local officials who have contributed to APPA’s goals, during the APPA's National Conference in Boston. Ortega has been a member of the KUA board of directors since October 2016 and currently serves as its chairman.
KUA noted Ortega's "outstanding contributions to advancing APPA's goals and elevating the national stature of public power. His participation in Florida Municipal Electric Association's Legislative and Regulatory Committee, along with his current role on APPA's Policy Makers Council, demonstrates his commitment to representing community interests through legislative engagement and participation in organization programs. Furthermore, he has provided impactful community service, including extensive volunteer work with the Osceola Council on Aging and ongoing support for local initiatives.
"Ortega advocates tirelessly not only for KUA, but for all municipal electric utilities as a member of APPA's Policy Maker Council," an APPA release said. "He travels to Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., throughout the year to speak with federal and state lawmakers on behalf of his utility and state, and national public power trade associations. He previously served on the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Legislative & Regulatory Committee."
Last week, Orlando Utilities Commission Senior Legislative Affairs, Regulatory, and Compliance Representative Terry Torrens, a lifelong Osceolan, received the Harold Kramer-John Preston Personal Service Award, which recognizes member utility employees who have made significant contributions toward APPA’s goals and enhanced its prestige.
