Behrman Honored With National Leadership Award

COLUMBUS, OH: American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) is pleased to announce that Kirk Behrman, Utilities Superintendent for the Village of Deshler, is a recipient of the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award.

Behrman was presented with the award on June 10 during the APPA National Conference, which took place June 6-11 in New Orleans.

The Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award recognizes utility managers who serve communities of less than 2,500 meters and whose management duties extend well beyond the scope of a manager in a larger system. Behrman has worked at the Village of Deshler, a small community in northwestern Ohio serving 978 electric meters, for 25 years.

“Kirk Behrman is a shining example of what the Seven Hats Award is all about. He is a true public servant with a passion for his community and for public power as a whole,” said Jolene Thompson, AMP President and CEO. “Kirk is very deserving of this honor, and we are pleased to see him recognized nationally for his outstanding work and dedication.”

As Superintendent, Behrman oversees utility staff for the Village of Deshler’s electric, water and natural gas services. Additionally, the nearby Village of Cygnet contracts with the Village of Deshler for their electrical needs, and Behrman plays a vital role in coordinating between the two villages, ensuring safe and reliable services for both communities. During his tenure, the Village of Deshler’s utility department has completed numerous major projects and received an influx of grant funding. This includes efforts to move the utility to a new facility, leading the planning and design process for a second power feed for the village distribution system, and helping to secure a $2.2 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements to the village’s natural gas system.

“The Village of Deshler couldn’t ask for a better Utilities Superintendent than Kirk Behrman,” said Deshler Mayor Michael Woods. “Kirk is extremely knowledgeable, serves as a great leader for his staff and his public relations skills are top-notch. He is one of the most approachable men whom I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

In September 2024, Behrman was also named the AMP Seven Hats Award winner during the AMP Annual Conference in Columbus. The AMP Seven Hats Award, initiated in 1984, was modeled after APPA’s award. Behrman was also honored with a proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives congratulating him on receiving the AMP Seven Hats Award. Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops presented the honor to Behrman and also provided a testimonial to APPA, recommending Behrman for the national award.

“Kirk Behrman has served the people of Deshler gregariously and his commitment to addressing utility concerns in an equitable and transparent capacity is deserving of recognition,” Rep. Hoops said in his testimonial. “It remains evident that Kirk is passionate about the community with which he serves and will never shy from the advice or expertise offered him by his colleagues or members of the public. Kirk’s good nature and tenacious work ethic makes him a model of emulation that I know will remain a valuable asset to the Village of Deshler.”

APPA is the service organization for the nation’s more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities that serve more than 49 million Americans.

View the official APPA news release here.