We are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2020/2021 Gilbert E. Hanson Jr. Outstanding Service Award, Mike Muirhead, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Garden City. This award, named in honor of KMEA’s first General Manager, Gil Hanson, is presented by KMEA to a recipient who has, over a period of years, made significant contributions to municipal joint action and is recognized for contributions to his or her community, the electric utility industry, or public power.
Mike Muirhead has served as the Director of Public Utilities for Garden City since 2010 after serving as City Administrator for the City of Gillette, Wyoming. In his 11 years with the city, he has been deeply committed to improving the power, water, and wastewater utilities in his community. He has provided leadership on several major projects since coming to Garden City including the development of Jameson Energy Center with its three combustion turbine generators.
Since 2011, Muirhead has provided strong leadership to KMEA, serving on the Board of Directors including serving on the Executive Committee as the organization’s Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and President, the Power Supply Committee, and Joint Board for Administration. Under Mike’s leadership as President of KMEA, the Agency acquired Mid-States Energy Works and started up the KMEA’s first electric line crew bringing these much-needed services to the membership.
As a constant and respected voice for municipal utilities in legislative circles in both Topeka and Washington, DC, he has been involved in numerous legislative efforts to advocate for the advancement of both Garden City and municipal utilities across Kansas and the U.S.
Congratulations Mike on this much well-deserved award!
