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In recognition of National Volunteer Month in April, PPL Corporation honored seven employee volunteers for their efforts in improving the communities in which they live and work.

PPL Chairman, President and CEO Bill Spence presents the Volunteer of the Year Award to Rita Rosario.

“Whether on the soccer field, at the local food bank, or in the classroom, doing good comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all,” said PPL Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Spence at a gathering of volunteers. “Your good deeds serve to inspire others to take action, to realize their power to make a difference, and to be a force that transforms the world around us.”

Nominations from across the company’s 29-county service territory were submitted to recognize employees whose volunteerism inspires their peers, makes a positive impact in the community and shares PPL’s values.

In addition to an engraved award, each winner received a contribution to a nonprofit of their choice.

Rita Rosario, support engineer from Allentown, earned PPL’s top award, Volunteer of the Year. Rosario serves on the board of the Allentown Salvation Army and brings her personal and professional experience to help address and solve issues faced by local families. She is also heavily involved in volunteering at The Perfect Fit, which helps women enter the workforce with style and confidence. A contribution of $2,000 will be made to The Perfect Fit. 

Courtney Bell, engineer from Upper Milford Township, earned the Leadership Recognition Volunteer Award for her numerous volunteer activities, including the United Way Day of Caring, the PPL Exploring group, Linda Ann’s Greyhound Adoption and PPL’s business resource groups. She is also very actively involved in college recruiting and spends time mentoring college students to prepare them for interviews and professional careers. A contribution of $1,000 will be made to Linda Ann’s Greyhound Adoption.

PPL Chairman, President and CEO Bill Spence (center) presents the Leadership Recognition Volunteer Awards to William Kropa Jr. and Courtney Bell

William Kropa Jr., field supervisor-Transmission & Distribution from Nazareth, received the Leadership Recognition Volunteer Award for his more than 30 years volunteering with Boy Scouts of America. A contribution of $1,000 will be made to the Adenoids Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation.

Emily Haelsig, engineer from Allentown, received a Peer-to-Peer Volunteer Award for her commitment to improve the circumstances of those less fortunate through her leadership with national organizations in providing disaster and humanitarian relief. She is also active with the PPL Exploring group in promoting STEM activities. A contribution of $500 will be made to Habitat for Humanity-Lehigh Valley.

Matt Henry, lead cyber risk analyst from Allentown, received a Peer-to-Peer Volunteer Award for his 18 years of volunteer service as an EMT for Macungie Ambulance Corps and for his involvement with PPL’s Emergency Medical Response Team. A contribution of $500 will be made to the Macungie Ambulance Corps.

Rob Hodge, lead systems analyst from Bethlehem, received a Peer-to-Peer Volunteer Award for his many years of involvement with PPL’s Christian Business Resource Group and collaborative efforts with other company business resource groups. A contribution of $500 will be made to Family Promise.

PPL Chairman, President and CEO Bill Spence (right) presents the Peer-to-Peer Volunteer Awards to Kevin Steinbacher, Matt Henry, Rob Hodge and Emily Haelsig.

Kevin Steinbacher, administrative supervisor from Cogan Station, earned a Peer-to-Peer Volunteer Award for his efforts in raising awareness and contributions for the company’s annual United Way campaign. In addition, he serves on the fund allocation committee for the Lycoming County United Way. A contribution of $500 will be made to the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation.   

Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is one of the largest companies in the U.S. utility sector. PPL’s seven high-performing, award-winning utilities serve more than 10 million customers in the United States and United Kingdom. With more than 12,000 employees, PPL is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and reliability and delivering superior value for shareowners. To learn more, visit www.pplweb.com