Photo By London Prince | Micheal Zapata, division chief for energy program execution at Air Force Office of...... read more read more
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The Federal Energy Management Program recently recognized two Air Force Civil Engineer Center members for their exceptional professionalism and integrity while leading agency mission critical projects and programs.
Kirk Phillips, director of the Air Force Office of Energy Assurance, and Micheal Zapata, division chief for energy program execution at AFOEA, were selected to receive FEMP’s Professional Achievement Award. Seema Aziz, installation energy policy and program analyst of the Department of the Air Force for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety, and Infrastructure was also recognized for her efforts.
While serving as director of AFOEA, Phillips pioneered the first-ever funding from the Energy Resilience Conservation and Investment Program for an Energy Savings Performance Contract, or ESPC, to lead initiatives for geothermal power and geological hydrogen. He also streamlined a governance model for a planning-to-execution project pipeline that merged two energy organizations while accelerating project timelines.
“Kirk’s visionary approach has led to a new innovation cell to pilot advanced energy solutions and business processes,” said Douglas Tucker, director of installation energy policy and programs for the Department of the Air Force.
Leading the way for nuclear power, Phillips is currently working hand-in-hand with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish a permit process for all future and new nuclear reactors.
“Winning this award shows that we have a deep bench of quality individuals on our team, and I see it as recognition that the whole office was able to perform excellence,” Phillips said. “When you look at what we have been able to achieve, my part in it has been providing strategy, direction and support with resources which has allowed us to be successful.”
In his seat as division chief for energy program execution at AFOEA, Zapata oversees a team of 15 and directs a portfolio of energy projects totaling $2 billion. He helps secure energy resilience for mission critical capabilities across all Air and Space Force installations through the Energy Resilience Conservation and Investment Program, Utility Energy Service Contracts, ESPCs and Energy-Sustainment-funded initiatives.
“Mike’s deft oversight has been pivotal to the Air Force’s ability to execute ambitious microgrid and water resilience projects,” Tucker said.
Zapata led a $100 million ERCIP project to build a water treatment plant at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, where its region-wide aquifer was declining at two feet per year with an expectancy to dry up by 2044. Through partnership with the State of Idaho, he and his team were able to use surface water from a nearby river to operate a fully functional water treatment plant for sole use by Mountain Home.
“I’m excited about winning this award because it represents a whole team effort and the hard work we have done throughout the years,” Zapata said. “We work with energy worldwide and the more we are reliant on technology, the more there becomes a greater need for power assurance. This award shows the dedication of the execution team on providing energy assurance for mission assurance.”
Other projects Zapata directed include construction of the first-ever Department of Defense liquified natural gas storage plant at Misawa Air Base, Japan, providing energy resilience and assurance using microgrid technology to energize essential circuits based on a prioritized load during power outages.
“Both Kirk and Mike exemplify the very best in leadership and innovation at the Department of the Air Force,” Tucker said. “They've tackled complex energy challenges head-on, delivering critical solutions that enhance mission readiness and ultimately help secure this nation’s energy future."
Both AFCEC members will be recognized along with the other winners at the 2024 FEDS Spotlight Ceremony Oct. 17 in Washington, D.C.
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2024 11:45 |
| Story ID: | 483656 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 3 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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