There are many outstanding municipal leaders that make significant contributions to KMEA, joint action and public power, and every November at the Annual Conference, the Agency has the privilege of recognizing a few individuals who have distinguished themselves through their dedication, leadership and contributions.

The Gilbert E. Hanson Jr. Outstanding Service Award 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.

The Max Embree Award is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and devoted service to KMEA and public power in the state of Kansas. KMEA established this award in honor of Max Embree, a long-time resident of the City of Colby, Kansas who played a leading role in the early years of KMEA.

The Dedicated Commitment to Service Award is presented by KMEA to recognize an employee of a KMEA member city who has, over a period of years, demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant local contributions to their municipal utility.

The Mike Gilliland Honor Award is presented by KMGA. The award was established  in honor of Mike Gilliland.  Mike played a leading role in the agency, serving multiple terms as President, Vice President, and Executive Committee member.  The award honors his contributions to KMGA and is to recognize an employee of a KMGA member city who has, over a period of years, demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant local contributions to their municipal utility.

The Ron Huxman Distinguished Service Award is presented by KMGA. This award was created in honor of Ron Huxman. Ron played a leading role in the day-to-day activities of the agency, as well as serving as President, Executive Committee member and Joint Board member.  The award honors his contributions to KMGA and is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and devoted service to both KMGA and to the Municipal Natural Gas Industry.

The Award recipients, honored at the 2023 KMEA Annual Conference, were:

Gilbert E. Hanson Jr. Outstanding Service Award

Bill Johnson-KCBPU

Max Embree Award

Dean Cordes-City of Meade

Dedicated Commitment to Service Award

Larry Berry-City of Anthony

Mike Gilliland Honor Award

Pat Adams-City of Halstead

Ron Huxman Distinguished Service Award

Kim Everley-City of McLouth

Past Award Winners – Gilbert Hanson Award

Bill Johnson-2023
Mike Shook-2022
Richard Nienstedt-2020/2021
Mike Muirhead-2020-21
Merl Page-2019
Tyson McGreer-2018
Duane Moeder- 2017
Pat Mallory- 2016
Greg DuMars- 2015
Mike Gilliland – 2014
Rob Culley – 2013
Harry Zelke – 2012
Patsy Miller – 2011
Tim Shook & Diann Burress – 2010
Sarah Steele – 2009
Gary Shike – 2008
Carolyn Armstrong – 2007
Rick Doran – 2006
Jim Bradley – 2005
Joe Norton – 2004

Past Award Winners – Max Embree Award

Dean Cordes-2023
Jonathan Mitchell-2022
Dennis Tharp-2020/2021
Greg DuMars-2020-2021
Gary Rowden-2019
Kim Thomas-2018
Colin Hansen- 2017
Mike Schmaderer and Bruce Marihugh- 2016
Duane Banks- 2015
Bob Mills – 2014
Merl Page – 2013
Carolyn Armstrong – 2012
Jim Bradley – 2011

Past Award Winners – Dedicated Commitment to Service Award

Larry Berry-2023
Kent Pottorf-2022
John Wagerle-2020/2021
Manny Milbers-2020/2021
Ira Harrison-2019
Eldon Brown-2018
Jeff Scott- 2017
Liz Finley -2016

Past Award Winners – Mike Gilliland Honor Award

Pat Adams-2023
Earl Findley-2022
Terry Jantzen-2020/2021
Brad Ewy-2020/2021
Glen McFann-2019
Trish Sanchez-2018
Larry Kallenberger- 2017
Mike Gilliland – 2016

Past Award Winners – Ron Huxman Distinguished Service Award

Kim Everley-2023
Jessica Presler-2022
Colin Hansen & Kimberly Svaty-2020/2021
Gus Collins-2020/2021
Rod Willis-2019
Gary Emry-2018
John Sweet- 2017
Ron Huxman – 2016