MEAM Announces Inaugural Communicator of the Year

The Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts has announced that Sandra Richter, Public Communications Manager for the Middleborough Gas & Electric Department, has been named the 2014 Communicator of the Year by the Communications and Energy Services Group.

Winners of the award demonstrate exceptional leadership and communication skills, and contribute to the betterment of MEAM member utilities. Recognized as an advocate who has earned a reputation as being highly credible with a variety of diverse audiences, each award recipient consistently uses communication strategies that demonstrate creativity and innovation in a public utility environment.

Sandy was nominated by her General Manager, Jackie Crowley, who listed a number of recent achievements including developing the department’s website and social media presence; expanding the natural gas public awareness program; evolving the customer newsletter, the Messenger, together with an increasing participation in local events, to be more community-focused; and playing a key role in this year’s town-staged emergency drill.

"The MEAM Communicator of the Year Award was established to recognize communication and leadership excellence within the Public Power industry," said Jackie Pratt, the MEAM Communications & Energy Services president. "Sandy Richter is a true leader and is deeply respected by her peers. Sandy’s experience and voice are huge assets to the MEAM-CES group. I can’t think of a more deserving person to be named our inaugural MEAM Communicator of the Year."

MEAM was formed in 1953 and includes all 40 municipally owned electric utilities in the state, advocating and supporting their management and mutual interests for the benefit of their citizen-owners. The MEAM Communications and Energy Services group brings together utility professionals to share and monitor information in these fields for the advancement of public electric utility service.