Each year, outstanding employees and retirees are selected for the SRP Presidents’ Volunteer Spirit Awards based on the volunteer work they do within their community. Let’s look at the impressive volunteer efforts of our recipients for 2024.
Karen Allen — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.
We thank all the SRP employees who help build stronger communities in Arizona through their spirit of volunteerism.