Columbus, OH: Bruce Metz, village administrator for the Village of Jackson Center, is a 2018 recipient of the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award. Metz was presented with the award during the APPA’s National Conference in New Orleans on June 19.

Metz is the 2017 recipient of the American Municipal Power’s Seven Hats Award. Metz has served the Village of Jackson Center for nearly 40 years after joining as a member of the streets department. He has occupied his current position as village administrator for nearly six years. Metz is involved in all areas of the village and community – he has served in the streets department and water and wastewater department, and frequently visits job sites to check on progress. He also actively participates in monthly safety meetings and quarterly electric-specific training activities.

Metz is always working to anticipate the needs of the village regarding system expansion or alternative sources of electric for the village and its residents. Most recently, he oversaw the construction of a 1.7 megawatt solar field in the village. Metz and his crew of two employees handle all of the electric system needs for the Village of Jackson Center and its 781 meters.

In addition, Metz’ forward-thinking extended to his aggressive promotion of the Efficiency Smart program in Jackson Center where he worked closely with customers to implement efficiency improvements. He also worked on a number of municipal projects including efficiency upgrades to the village’s wastewater treatment plant, the installation of LED streetlights and traffic signals and improvements to the rescue and safety services building.

Metz’ efforts have been instrumental in increased economic development activity in the community, leading to an expansion of the village’s largest industrial customer and the creation of a number of jobs through new and expanded businesses in Jackson Center.  

In the community, Metz assists the basketball program at the Jackson Center middle and high schools and has served as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years – including nine years as chief. He serves as leader of the local Cub Scouts; serves as chairman of the Sons of the American Legion Board; is a member of the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency; and serves as chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

The Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award recognizes managers of small utilities serving fewer than 2,500 meters who have a small staff and must assume multiple roles.

View official news release

Jackson Center Village Administrator Bruce Metz (center)
receives APPA's Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award from Coleman
Smoak (left), APPA chair-elect and general manager of Piedmont
Municipal Power Agency, and Wally Haase (right), APPA chair and
general manager of Navajo Tribal Utility Authority.