SRP Presidents’ Volunteer Spirit Awards Honors Employees for Restoring Natural Areas, Empowering Youth, Fundraising for Local Non-Profits and More

SRP volunteers understand the significant commitment required to help local nonprofits thrive, which is why they continue to invest their time, hearts, and creativity to make a difference through their volunteering work. This year, three Salt River Project (SRP) employees and one retiree have earned the 2023 SRP Presidents' Volunteer Spirit Award for their exceptional dedication to the community. 

The SRP Presidents’ Volunteer Spirit Awards are presented annually to employees making a significant impact in their communities. This year, SRP employees devoted their time and energy to improving children’s confidence, helping local ecosystems, quilting for families experiencing hardships and so much more.  

“SRP has been fostering the culture of volunteerism since the inception of the not-for-profit utility 121 years ago,” said SRP President David Rousseau. “Through this special award, we honor the leadership and efforts of those who continuously show how the example of caring can transform communities." 

Last year, 1,163 SRP employees and their families volunteered more than 23,000 hours and donated approximately $40,000 through our Dollars for Doers program.  

In honor of the four outstanding volunteers, SRP presented checks for $2,500 to their respective non-profit partners.  

The 2024 SRP Presidents’ Volunteer Spirit Award honorees and the nonprofits they assist are: 

Karen Allen, Phoenix resident
Empowering youths with after-school running  
Karen Allen, SRP Senior Security Systems Analyst, finds it rewarding to encourage the passions, purpose and confidence of children. She’s a current member of the board of directors for RUN3rd Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youths through over 100 after school running programs. Allen’s volunteer efforts include operational, fundraising and governance oversight through board service. She’s grateful to serve an organization that gives even the shyest of children a place where they can shine.  

Natalia Smith , Mesa resident
Volunteering to keep Arizona beautiful  
Natalia Smith, SRP Safety & Health Specialist, has volunteered with Natural Restorations for the past seven years. This nonprofit focuses on the betterment of Arizona’s environment, wildlife and community. Some of her work involves trash and graffiti removal from recreation areas and replanting native plant species. Smith has been able to combine her love of nature and outdoor recreation with her passion for making a difference and keeping Arizona beautiful.  

Sandy Howell, Mesa resident
Covering the Valley with care  
Sandy Howell, SRP Senior Customer Service Specialist, has volunteered with AZ Blankets 4 Kids for over two decades. She’s dedicated nearly 250 hours of volunteer work making blankets and quilts for youths and their families experiencing hardship. Howell’s commitment to volunteerism is also evident in her involvement in SRP volunteer programs like filling boxes at St. Mary’s Food Bank, The Salvation Army Christmas Angel campaign and its Backpack SOS school supply donation program.  

Cody Atherley, Karl F. Abel Award Recipient, St. Johns resident
Easing the burdens of fellow Arizonans  
The Presidents’ Volunteer Spirit Karl F. Abel Award is a tribute to the former SRP president who exemplified servant leadership in his volunteer work with many community organizations. This award honors SRP employees and retirees who demonstrate the same commitment Abel had to selflessly give back to the community through various organizations.  

Cody Atherley, SRP Operations Specialist, is committed to serving others both at work and in his personal life. In addition to being a volunteer EMT at SRP’s Coronado Generating Station and chairman of the Safety Commitment Team, Atherley volunteers for the Knights of Columbus. This Catholic fraternal organization’s council serves St. Johns, Arizona, and the surrounding communities where its members seek to ease the burdens of others. Some of his duties include overseeing business operations, community events, fundraising activities and managing a woodpile project. Alongside fellow volunteers, he cuts, splits, loads and delivers wood to community members in need. Through all his work, Atherley exemplifies the principles of the Knights of Columbus — charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.  

The SRP Presidents’ Volunteer Spirit Awards started in 1982. These awards are given to employees and retirees who exemplify the importance of volunteerism at SRP. The recipients of this award are outstanding examples of the power of caring, and their volunteer spirit helps strengthen the community-centered culture at SRP.