IMPA President Raj Rao Receives Frank R. Rudolph Achievement Award

9/19/2017

SOUTH BEND, IN – Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) President Raj Rao was named the 2017 recipient of the Frank Rudolph Award, the most prestigious award given out by the Indiana Municipal Electric Association (IMEA).
     The Frank Rudolph Award was created in honor of Rudolph, an icon of public power in Indiana.  The award is given to someone who has made substantial contributions to public power in Indiana, much like Rudolph had done.  Rudolph served as the utility manager in Greendale, Indiana, for over 35 years, but his career in engineering spanned more than 60 years.  He played an integral role in the formation of IMPA in 1980, seeing his dream of cities and towns working together to provide low-cost power to customers become a reality in 1983.  He also served as the very first Chairman of the Board for IMPA.
Rudolph was one of the Founding Fathers of IMPA, and served as a father-figure to Rao as well.  Rao joined IMPA in 1983 as Director of Engineering and was named President and CEO in 1986.  In those early years, Rudolph provided counsel and support to Rao, helping to grow IMPA into the Agency it is today.
     “I am humbled and honored to receive the Frank Rudolph Award from IMEA,” commented Rao.  “Frank was a coworker, a father figure, a hero of public power and a friend to me.  Without his guidance, support, and friendship, I would not be where I am today.  I think that Frank would be proud of what Indiana public power has accomplished under his vision, and I am positive he is showering his blessings on his son from heaven.”
     Mr. Rao began his career in public power at Richmond Power and Light in Richmond, Indiana, and joined IMPA in 1983.  He was later selected as President and CEO in 1986.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering as well as an MBA.
     The 2017 Frank Rudolph Award was presented at the IMEA Fall Conference, held September 14th in South Bend, Indiana.
 
The Indiana Municipal Power Agency is the not-for-profit wholesale power provider to 61 cities and towns across Indiana and Ohio who own and operate the municipal electric distribution systems in their communities. IMPA member communities deliver electric service to approximately 330,000 individuals throughout the state.  For more information, visit www.IMPA.com.