Two Florida Public Power Leaders Receive National Awards

Awards recognize contributions to public power and their communities

Two Florida public power leaders were recognized today by the American Public Power Association (APPA) for their contributions to the public power industry and their service to their communities. Receiving national awards today were Cindy Clemmons, Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Relations for Lakeland Electric, and Jamie Jones, Assistant City Manager for Utilities and Public Works for the City of Newberry.  

Cindy Clemmons received the Harold Kramer-John Preston Personal Service Award, which recognizes member utility employees who have made significant contributions toward the American Public Power Association’s goals and enhanced its prestige. She joined Lakeland Electric in 2015 and has been an active member of APPA for eight years. 

Clemmons participates on APPA’s Public Communications Committee, Legal & Regulatory Committee, and Governmental Relations Working Group (GRWG). She frequently attends APPA conferences and workshops, including National Conference, Customer Connections Conference, Legislative Rally, and Legal & Regulatory Conference. At the state level, Clemmons serves on the Florida Municipal Electric Association’s (FMEA) Legislative & Regulatory Committee. She is a frequent speaker/presenter at the local, state and national levels. 

“Cindy is a strong advocate for public power – locally, statewide, and nationally – and is keenly aware of the value public power brings to the community it serves. She has great relationships with her local elected officials, along with state and federal legislators that serve the Lakeland community, enabling her to have a positive impact on the reputation of public power utilities. She also has a deep understanding of the issues facing public power and her local community and is dedicated in her tireless efforts to advocate on behalf of the customers and community Lakeland serves. I am honored to work with Cindy and appreciate her efforts for public power,” said Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association.

Jamie Jones received the Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award, which recognizes managers of utilities with fewer than 2,500 electric meters, who lead the way in seven areas — planning and design, administration, public relations, field supervision, accounting, human resources, and community involvement. He has served as the Assistant City Manager for Utilities and Public Works for the City of Newberry since 2015. His role includes oversight of public works, transportation, cemetery, mosquito control, electric utility, water utility and wastewater utility.

Since his arrival in the City of Newberry eight years ago, Jones has served as the project sponsor for a $42 million Florida Department of Transportation project that will require upgrades to all city utility services (electric, water and wastewater). He assumes the lead role in contract negotiations for multiple projects that total in the millions in value each year. Jones’ 30 years of experience in public works and utilities includes many hours working with crews in the field and he plays a critical role in developing and maintaining public relationships in his community.

“As the Assistant City Manager for Utilities and Public Works, Jamie Jones does it all, and he does it with dignity and pride. Jamie understands the residents of Newberry and their needs, and he is willing to do whatever is needed to get the job done. And while Jamie is highly capable, he is also very humble. No job is too big or too small, and he always wants what is best for his community. We couldn't think of a more deserving person in Florida for this award,” said Jacob Williams, General Manager and CEO of the
Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA).

The Florida public power award recipients were nominated jointly by FMEA and FMPA, and selected as the winning entries by APPA. They were among 20 individual winners and eight utility winners this year. APPA is the national trade association representing more than 2,000 public power utilities nationwide.