(Sept. 23) Northwest Public Power Association is pleased to announce Sarah Johnson of Clatskanie PUD (Ore.) as the winner of the 2024 Champion of Communications Award. The award (formerly the Lacy Peoples Award) honors an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to the public power industry, communication, and public involvement. Theresa Phillips, who received the award last year, presented the award Sept. 18 on behalf of NWPPA during the 2024 Northwest Innovations in Communications Conference at The Grove Hotel in Boise, Idaho.
“Sarah has spent the last two decades lifting up those around her, being a cheerleader, a confidant, a sounding board, an educator, and a friend to all who know her,” Phillips said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our public power family. She is a true champion in every sense of the word.”
Johnson began her career in public power at West Oregon Electric Cooperative in Vernonia, Oregon, before joining Clatskanie PUD more than 10 years ago. Over the years, she not only helped lead innovative customer programs and community outreach efforts but also demonstrated a deep commitment to employee engagement. Last March, she was promoted from customer relations and services manager to chief operating officer.
Johnson is actively involved in the public power community. She served on the NIC Planning Committee and chaired the 2018 conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She leads the Northwest Regional Group of utility communicators, curating the programs and speakers for the group’s meetings. She is also a regular attendee at NWPPA’s annual Women in Public Power Conference. Outside of the industry, Johnson supports various nonprofits as the president of Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce and leader of Keep it Local Columbia County.
“This means the world to me,” Johnson said upon receiving the award. “Public power, and having lifelong friends, and being in this industry is the best thing that I ever did.”
Read the full press release here.