Three current and former members of the Kaukauna Utilities Commission have been recognized with prestigious state and national awards for their leadership, service, and commitment to advancing public power. Together, the honors reflect decades of dedication to serving both Kaukauna Utilities customers and the broader public power community.
Commission President Lee Meyerhofer received the Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award from the American Public Power Association (APPA) during the association’s National Conference in Boston on June 30. The award recognizes elected or appointed local officials who have made significant contributions to the goals of the American Public Power Association and the public power community nationwide.
Meyerhofer was first elected to the Kaukauna City Council in 1992. Since then, his leadership has driven key accomplishments at the local, state, and national levels, including major infrastructure and innovation projects in hydroelectric redevelopment and grid resilience initiatives supported by federal funding. As a member of APPA’s Policy Makers Council since 2017, including serving as its chair, he has built strong bipartisan relationships with federal policymakers and led advocacy efforts through APPA Legislative Rallies. Additionally, he actively champions Kaukauna Utilities’ participation in key programs, such as RP3, SEP, and other association delegations.
In addition to Meyerhofer’s national recognition, current Commissioner Sue Hennes and former Commissioner Pennie Thiele were honored by the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW) during the association’s 96th Annual Conference in Sun Prairie on May 14.
Hennes received MEUW’s Pillar of Public Power Award, recognizing individuals who have served at least 10 years on a public power governing body. Hennes celebrated her 10-year anniversary on the Kaukauna Utilities Commission in 2025 and also serves on the utility’s Finance & Personnel Committee. She is an active participant in MEUW programs and activities, helping strengthen Wisconsin’s community-owned utility network.
Thiele received MEUW’s Public Official Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on public power through an extraordinary commitment to service. She served on the Kaukauna Utilities Commission for seven years as part of her role on the Kaukauna City Council as Chair of the Board of Public Works. Throughout her service, Thiele was a strong advocate for Kaukauna Utilities and has regularly represented the utility during legislative advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication and leadership our commissioners bring to Kaukauna Utilities and to the public power community,” said Michael Avanzi, General Manager of Kaukauna Utilities. “Their commitment to serving our customers extends well beyond our community, helping shape the future of public power across Wisconsin and the nation.”
The Kaukauna Utilities Commission provides local oversight and strategic direction to help ensure the utility continues to deliver reliable, affordable electric and water services while representing the best interests of its customers.
