COLUMBUS, OH: Mike DeFinis is the 2019 recipient of the AMP Seven Hats Award.

DeFinis serves as borough manager for the Borough of Hatfield, a small community in Montgomery County, Pa. He has served as borough manager since April 2009, and served on the Borough Council for 14 years prior.

“Mike DeFinis exemplifies what this prestigious award signifies – a strong work ethic, dedication to community and public power, and passionate leadership,” said Marc Gerken, President/CEO of American Municipal Power, Inc. “I am pleased to present this honor to Mike and thank him for his service to public power.”

DeFinis has been instrumental in the planning and design process of Hatfield’s new Borough Municipal Complex, a project that the Borough has been planning for a number of years. Additionally, DeFinis oversaw the Borough’s R.I.C.E. Program for behind the meter generation, advanced metering system installation and a backup generation project for the Borough’s largest customer.

Hatfield Council President John Weierman noted that, “Mike has always had the Borough’s best interest in mind whenever making a decision, and he always goes the extra mile in all his duties.” 

DeFinis is an active member of the Pennsylvania Municipal Electric Association, working to ensure that public power is well represented before state and federal policymakers.

The award was presented to DeFinis during the 2019 AMP/OMEA Annual Conference held in Columbus Sept. 23 – 25.

The AMP Seven Hats Award — modeled after the American Public Power Association’s national Seven Hats Award — was initiated in 1984 to recognize utility managers who serve smaller communities of less than 2,500 meters, and whose management duties extend well beyond the scope of a manager in a larger system. Award winners show skill in seven areas: planning and design, administration, public relations, field supervision, accounting, personnel or employee direction, and community leadership.

AMP President/CEO Marc Gerken (left) presents Hatfield Borough
Manager Mike DeFinis with the AMP Seven Hats Award.