GPA's General Manager Receives APPA Individual Achievement Award
The American Public Power Association (APPA) awarded Guam Power Authority (GPA) General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E., the prestigious James D. Donovan Individual Achievement Award during its National Conference in Seattle, Washington, in June 2023.
The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the electric utility industry and to public power with a special commitment to public power. This marks the first time an individual from the Pacific region received this prestigious award.
GM Benavente is a professional engineer and has worked for GPA for nearly four decades. He served as General Manager for 26 years and throughout his career has led Guam’s public utility through various natural disasters. Additionally, he oversees modernization and hardening efforts for GPA’s infrastructure and has led GPA through the development of Guam’s Clean Energy Master Plan to identify new sources of renewable energy for Guam.
From 2016 to 2022, GM Benavente has served on the APPA Board of Directors for Region 10 serving two 3-year terms representing American Samoa, Guam, Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. At the time of his election, GM Benavente became the first director in Region 10 to represent the U.S. territories.
He has upheld the position by reinforcing the significance of public power for our island’s community and its residents. GM Benavente also championed support for island utility members and mutual aid efforts across Micronesia and the Pacific region.
Previous Winners: https://www.publicpower.org/previous-donovan-award-recipients
