Washington PUD Association Announces 2022 Award Recipients

The Washington Public Utility Districts Association presented its annual awards recognizing achievements demonstrated by individuals serving public utility districts. The Washington PUD Association presents awards annually for lifetime achievement and meritorious action in a life-threatening situation (Good Samaritan Award). In addition, the Association presents a $1,500 educational scholarship to a graduating senior of a PUD employee.
 
Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Mason PUD No. 3 Commissioner Linda Gott
The Washington PUD Association awarded Mason County PUD No. 3 Commissioner Linda Gott with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is the highest honor of the Washington Public Utility Districts Association. The award recognizes the commitment of an outstanding individual to the philosophy and purpose of public power and to the Washington PUD Association.

Linda has served four terms in office, first elected in 1999. During her 24 years, Linda has continually proven her commitment to the philosophy and purpose of public power on the local, regional, and national levels as well as the mission and vision of the Washington PUD Association.

“Along with serving as a PUD 3 Commissioner, she was a crucial participant and supporter of the formation of the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) in Washington State and has served several terms on the board of directors for this organization,” said Annette Creekpaum, Mason PUD No. 3 General Manager. “She is an active board member of Energy Northwest, appointed to the Board of Directors in 2007, and elected to the Executive Board in 2018. Linda has served as president of the Public Utility Risk Management Services (PURMS) organization. She also served six years on the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) Board of Trustees and is a current member of the American Public Power Association's (APPA) Legislative and Resolutions Committee as well as the Policy Makers Council. She previously served for six years as the PUD'S representative to the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Mason County and continues to actively promote the benefits of public power and its involvement in the build-out of rural telecommunication systems using fiber optic technology. Her support and dedication to public power and rural broadband has helped pave the way for growth for PUDs overall.”

Washington PUD Association presents Good Samaritan Awards to Skagit County PUD employee
The Washington PUD Association presented the Good Samaritan Award to Sharon Mataya, Customer Service Supervisor for Skagit County PUD.  The award honors a PUD employee who, in the past year, demonstrated meritorious action in a life-threatening situation.

In March of 2022, Sharon was returning home and approached a four-way stop where a Skagit Transit bus was stopped with its emergency flashers activated.  Sharon stopped and ran over to see if assistance was needed.  When Sharon reached the bus, she observed a male passenger unconscious. Sharon and two other individuals administered CPR until medics arrived. Medics were able to revive the man and credited Sharon's actions for saving the man. 

In a letter of recognition presented to Mataya in April of 2022, the Skagit County PUD Board of Commissioners and General Manager recognized her actions stating, “Skagit Public Utility District believes in recognizing staff members, their actions, and outstanding efforts in service to the organization and the community” adding that “Sharon’s quick response, immediate actions and effective CPR contributed to the efforts of saving a life.”

Educational Scholarship awarded to student from Benton County
WPUDA awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Zachary Darling, the son of Benton PUD employee Anthony Darling and Tammy Darling. The annual scholarship is awarded based on academic performance, community service and extracurricular activities, and an essay on topics related to PUDs. Darling is a 4.0 student, a varsity athlete, an Eagle Scout, and involved in many extracurricular activities.  His essay focused on broadband technologies and the future benefits of increased access and technological advancement.

The Washington Public Utility Districts Association advocates for 27 not-for-profit, public utility districts across the State of Washington and one joint operating agency, Energy Northwest.