Power association establishes Robert E. Roundtree award

The Robert E. Roundtree Rising Star Award was established by the American Public Power Association at the association's national conference.

The award is named for City Utilities General Manager Robert Roundtree in recognition of his 50 years of service to the public utility sector, according to a June 12 CU announcement.

Beginning in 2003, a Robert E. Roundtree Rising Star Award will be given to an APPA-member system employee who has been employed for five years or less at the time of the nomination. Recipients of the award must be recognized by peers as future leaders of a public power system.

Recipients also must have demonstrated a dedication to the goals and principals of public power. The award also will include a cash stipend that can be applied toward tuition and expenses for any APPA-sponsored course the honoree chooses to attend.

"This award honors Bob Roundtree's abilities and talents in developing and mentoring individuals in the utility industry," said Mike Kurtz, general manager of the public power utility in Gainesville, Fla., and immediate past chair of APPA's board of directors. "Many of us have had the benefit of Bob's guidance and mentoring over the years. With this award, we can take great comfort in knowing that Bob will continue to have a positive impact on the public power leaders of the future."

In addition to his nearly 20 years of service at CU in Springfield, Roundtree's career also includes service as the top utility executive in Gainesville, Fla., Brownsville, Texas, and Dalton, Ga.