Kissimmee, FL – El presidente de la Junta de Directores de Kissimmee Utility Authority, Manuel Ortega, recibió el Premio al Funcionario Público Spence Vanderlinden durante la Conferencia Nacional de la American Public Power Association (APPA), celebrada en Boston, Massachusetts. Este reconocimiento se otorga a funcionarios públicos locales, ya sean electos o designados, que han contribuido al cumplimiento de los objetivos de la APPA.
Ortega forma parte de la Junta de Directores de KUA desde el 1 de octubre de 2016 y actualmente cumple su segundo mandato. Antes de asumir la presidencia de la Junta en 2022, desempeñó diversos cargos dentro de la misma. Como presidente, ha impulsado la excelencia operacional y políticas centradas en el cliente, al tiempo que ha sido un firme defensor de las empresas municipales de energía tanto a nivel estatal como federal.
Ortega ha realizado contribuciones sobresalientes para promover los objetivos de la American Public Power Association y fortalecer el prestigio de la energía pública a nivel nacional. Su participación en el Comité Legislativo y Regulatorio de la Florida Municipal Electric Association, junto con su actual función en el Consejo de Responsables de Políticas Públicas de la APPA, refleja su compromiso con la representación de los intereses de la comunidad mediante la participación en iniciativas legislativas y programas de la organización. Además, ha brindado un valioso servicio comunitario, que incluye una amplia labor voluntaria con el Consejo sobre el Envejecimiento del condado de Osceola y un apoyo continuo a iniciativas locales.
KUA Board Chairman receives National Public Official Award
Kissimmee, FL – Kissimmee Utility Authority’s Board Chairman, Manuel Ortega, received the Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award during the American Public Power Association’s National Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The award recognizes elected or appointed local officials who have contributed to the goals of the American Public Power Association.
Ortega has served on the KUA Board of Directors since October 1, 2016, and is currently serving his second term. He has held various roles on the board before becoming Chairman in 2022. As Chairman of the board, Ortega has promoted operational excellence and customer-focused policies while serving as a strong advocate for municipal utilities at both the state and federal levels.
Ortega has made 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.