Alabama Power Service Organization honors Tripp Ward with top leadership award
On Oct. 18, Tripp Ward, right, received the Patsy Topazi Award, the top honor for leadership from the Alabama Power Service Organization, presented by Andrew Rhodes of Charitable Giving at Alabama Power. Since beginning his career at the company in August 2017, Ward has been a stalwart leader, encouraging others – including his wife and two children – to help strengthen their communities by volunteering. (Susie Thomas)
The Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) has named employee Tripp Ward as the recipient of the prestigious Patsy Topazi Leadership Award.
Ward, 2022 president of APSO’s Mobile Division Chapter, demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a deep commitment to the community, which earned him APSO’s top honor for leadership. Ward is the 25th recipient of the annual award, named for Patsy Topazi, one of APSO’s founding members and the wife of former Alabama Power executive Anthony Topazi.
Helping strengthen the community is at the heart of APSO’s mission, Ward said. (Mobile APSO)
Ward, who received the award during a meeting at Alabama Power’s Mobile Division, said he was humbled and grateful. In 2017 Ward transferred to Alabama Power from sister company Mississippi Power, where he actively served in Community Connection, Mississippi Power’s volunteer service group made up of employees, retirees and their families.
“I am extremely honored to be recognized by my peers, and also to be the 25th recipient is not something that I take lightly,” said Ward, a Community Relations manager in Alabama Power’s Mobile Division. “I am very grateful and thankful to work for a company that allows me to volunteer and to give back and which promotes volunteering among our employee base.
“I feel that we are called to give back to those who are less fortunate than us,” Ward said, adding that his wife, Natalie, and children, Emma and Hampton, volunteer with Mobile APSO. “For me, it’s part of my spiritual belief and part of my spiritual journey, just trying to instill doing for others into my children and my family. At the end of the day, I do feel that we’re called to give back and try to help our communities become stronger.”
During the many challenges presented during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ward demonstrated exemplary leadership while guiding Mobile APSO members through a successful transition back from virtual projects to in-person community engagement. By revitalizing employee involvement and fostering active participation, Ward played a crucial role in restoring a sense of normalcy within the chapter.
One notable achievement was the collaboration with Plant Barry APSO’s Environmental Stewardship Team to install rain barrels in the Three Mile Creek watershed, which addressed stormwater management concerns in low-lying coastal areas. By storing the rainwater, the chapter helped mitigate potential impacts while allowing residents to use the water to care for their lawns and gardens.
After the pandemic, Ward worked closely with the state APSO team to organize and plan the first state leadership conference. Thanks to his efforts, the conference was a huge success, with attendees taking part in community service projects, networking events and social gatherings.
Ward has taken part in many projects that have improved communities in and around Mobile. For example, he played a pivotal role in installing a swing for disabled residents at the Mulherin Home in Mobile.
The Port City experienced a momentous occasion with the arrival of the Old Glory Flag Run in June 2022. That symbolic journey from the U.S. Capitol commemorated The World Games held in Birmingham. Ward mobilized Mobile APSO volunteers, along with the collaboration of Airbus in Mobile, to gather downtown, welcome the flag and cheer on the runners. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, APSO members set up a tent in Bienville Square to provide refreshments to attendees.
Ward made significant contributions to rural areas by engaging his membership in various activities. He introduced APSO to the Castleberry Community Development Center, which hosts a summer camp for youth from low-income families. Working closely with the center’s leadership, Ward provided vital support to the camp.
Additionally, APSO joined with the Baldwin County United Way for the Day of Caring Event at Light of the City in Bay Minette. Ward collaborated with members of Mobile APSO’s Atmore and Brewton sub-areas to sponsor and support Super Fun Day for students with special needs in Escambia County.
Kim Savage, APSO and Energizers executive director with the company’s Charitable Giving team, said Ward’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication exemplify the spirit of APSO: “Tripp is truly deserving of the prestigious Patsy Topazi Award and we are so glad to have him on our team,” Savage said.
To learn more about the remarkable volunteer efforts of Alabama Power employees and retirees, visit powerofgood.com and click on “Volunteers.”
