NEPPA Membership Meeting Honors Retiring Patrick Hyland

NEPPA’s annual Membership Meeting, held Nov. 4 in Northborough, Mass., gave NEPPA members an opportunity to say goodbye to Patrick Hyland, NEPPA executive director since 1989. Hyland is retiring effective Dec. 1 after 22 years of service. He passed the reins to incoming Executive Director Larry Brownell.

Hyland’s last report to the membership focused on "factionalism," something that he feels is very strong in New England. He encouraged utility members to try to break down some of the barriers that this creates and work closer together to increase public power's strength in the region.

NEPPA staff presented Hyland with an iPAD and paid tribute to Hyland citing his "family first" policy, his sense of humor and his professionalism. He was also recognized for his strong communication skills and his role as a teacher and mentor.

Attending the meeting was Deborah Sliz and Lori Pickford from Morgan Meguire in Washington, D.C. Sliz presented Hyland with a Certificate of Appreciation from American Public Power Association thanking him for his participation in the national association.

Pickford presented him with a Congressional floor statement submitted by U.S. Representative Edward Markey that will be published in the Congressional Record. The resolution honored his years of service to public power in New England.

"Over the years, Mr. Hyland has worked closely with members of the New England delegation, from both sides of the aisle, to advance the interest of NEPPA consumers in New England," wrote Markey. "My personal and professional respect and admiration for Mr. Hyland runs deep, and I wish him happiness and good health in his retirement. The wise counsel, calm determination and good Irish sense of humor which he has provided to myself and others in Congress for many years on behalf of NEPPA will be sorely missed."