June 1, 1999

CONTACT: Leslie Peterson

303-275-1233 peterson@wapa.gov

Administrator Mike Hacskaylo presented the award to Ward at a special ceremony here. Ward is one of five Western employees to receive the award this year.

Given annually, the Exceptional Service Award is based on outstanding overall service, improving departmental goals, accomplishing responsibilities in an exemplary manner, showing unusual initiative, demonstrating outstanding executive or technical ability and displaying unusual devotion to duty. It is the highest honor that can be granted by Western's administrator.

Ward began her Federal career in 1961 as clerk-stenographer for the Social Security Administration. Since joining Western in 1978, she has held three senior-level administrative assistant positions. Ward is known as a "consummate professional," whose close scrutiny and command of the English language are widely respected by fellow co-workers and colleagues. Ward resides in Lakewood, Colo., with her husband Dale.

Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 10,000 megawatts of power from hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 15 central and western states.