KPUB Past Chairman Receives Prestigious Statewide Utility Service Award

Kerrville, Texas, August 6, 2019—A Kerrville citizen received a prestigious award from the Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) at its annual meeting last week on July 31. John Sample, past Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) Board of Trustees’ Chairman, was awarded the 2019 recipient of the Gary Brown Service Award by the association after ten years of outstanding service on KPUB’s Board and his relentless dedication to improving Kerrville’s utility system. To be considered for the award, nominees must be an official of a city served by a TPPA member utility that has been active in the state’s public power association for at least two years, displayed exceptional leadership and provided significant contributions to public power locally and in Texas. Sample’s service goes back much further than just his most recent ten years of tenure on KPUB’s Board and service as chairman. Sample was a member of the Kerrville City Council in 1987 that approved the purchase of the Kerrville Electric Distribution System from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), creating KPUB. His leadership helped see KPUB through the transition from a full requirements wholesale power agreement to a layered power supply portfolio with diversity in suppliers, fuel sources and generation facilities, resulting in multi-million dollar annual savings for KPUB customers. “I grew up in Kerrville, so keeping KPUB in good hands was always a point of pride for me,” said Sample. “During my time on the board, I was always asking, ‘How can we do our best to benefit our community while providing outstanding service at the lowest possible rates?'” KPUB Manager and CEO, Mike Wittler, said he was thrilled to see Sample recognized for the key contributions he’s made over the years with KPUB and in our community. “John Sample is such a deserving recipient of this award,” said Wittler. “He brought unique industry experience and innovative ideas to the table always that were invaluable over the years that he served on KPUB’s Board. He made impacts that have benefited Kerrville and KPUB’s customers tremendously.” Sample’s currently a self-employed financial advisor with a career background in utility at El Paso Natural Gas. His past civic involvement other than his tenure with the KPUB Board and as a Kerrville City Councilman include serving with organizations such as the Home Opportunity Board, Kerr Economic Development Corporation, the Rotary Club of Kerrville, Hill Country Arts Foundation, Kerrville City Comprehensive Planning Committee and the City Golf Course Advisory. ### Photo cutline: L to R: Russ Keene, Executive Director of the Texas Public Power Association, presents the Gary Brown Service Award to John Sample, past KPUB Board Chair, alongside Kean Register, Past President of the Texas Public Power Association and City Manager for Bryan, Texas, at its annual meeting on July 31. About KPUB The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) was acquired by the City of Kerrville in 1987. KPUB serves approximately 22,750 customers throughout 146 square mile service area including Kerrville, Center Point, Ingram, Hunt, and surrounding areas in Kerr County. KPUB is overseen by a five-member board of trustees who serve without compensation and who are responsible to the City of Kerrville for the management and control of the system. KPUB is a responsive and efficient locally-owned provider of reliable, high-quality utility service at the lowest responsible price.