Every year, exceptional employees and retirees are honored with the SRP Presidents’ Volunteer Spirit Awards, recognizing their dedication to community service. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable volunteer contributions of our 2025 award recipients.
Acknowledging team efforts
A new award this year highlights the service hours of one department that went above and beyond doing community work together as a team. The Customer Contact Operations team received this award, as they participated in 18 volunteer events with 214 volunteers, logging an outstanding 490.5 hours with St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix, The Salvation Army, Paz de Cristo, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Feed My Starving Children, Dsquared Homes for the Homeless and Future for Kids.
Ryan Knowlton – Making Arizona green
Since 2018, Ryan Knowlton, SRP Senior Utility Forester, has dedicated his time and expertise to Trees Matter. Each year, Knowlton volunteers 50 hours, supporting the nonprofit’s neighborhood, community and school tree planting events. As a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, he uses his expertise to showcase proper tree planting techniques and educate community members on long-term tree care. In his position as Board Vice Chair, Knowlton plays an essential role in promoting Trees Matter’s mission to create and inspire a more equitable tree canopy in the Valley.
Jon Buseman – Protecting our wildlife
Jon Buseman, SRP NDE/QC Specialist, has devoted 200 hours annually to the Arizona Elk Society. This organization’s mission is to enhance the lives of elk and other wildlife through habitat conservation and restoration while preserving the hunting heritage for both present and future generations. With a decade of experience in Apache County search and rescue, Buseman is able to lead veterans with disabilities on expeditions with the Arizona Elk Society. We’re proud of the work Jon’s doing to make a positive impact on our wildlife, along with the veteran community in Arizona.
Michalene Hunt – Providing comfort and care for animals
In less than a year, Michalene Hunt, SRP Customer Service Specialist, has logged over 70 volunteer hours with Friends for Life Animal Rescue. She serves as a dog caregiver, assists in the facility’s foster room and has fostered several pups who have since found forever homes. She is currently training to become a dog caregiver shift lead and has found solace in volunteering after the loss of her own dog last summer. Hunt has significantly uplifted Friends for Life with her dedicated volunteerism and compassionate care.
Mike Heath, Karl F. Abel Award Recipient
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.
Mike Heath, SRP Fleet Design Specialist, has been a pivotal member of the Board of Directors for Project SALT (Serving and Loving Together), contributing 360 volunteer hours over the last year. The organization is a food bank and clothing closet in Wickenburg, Arizona, providing thousands of meals annually along with clothing, hygiene products and baby essentials to those in need. Heath’s journey began with donating items and funds, eventually leading to his role on the Board, where he helped solidify the agency’s nonprofit status. He manages logistics, provides transportation for clients and supports various fundraising and donation events.
Heath also donates his time to the Wickenburg Area Habitat for Humanity, the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, Wickenburg Clean and Beautiful, Wickenburg Rotary Club and many more organizations. We’re in awe of his tremendous contributions to the Wickenburg community.
We thank all of the SRP employees who help build stronger communities in Arizona through their spirit of volunteerism.