We believe impact is the positive change we create — not just within our organization but in the communities we serve. This belief fuels the NRG Impact Awards, a new celebration recognizing employees who put our purpose and values into action.
“We have incredible colleagues shaping our organization and impacting our communities in profoundly positive ways. Our bright stars are not only exceptional at what they do — they continuously inspire those around them to strive, succeed, and give back in meaningful ways,” says Gin Kinney, SVP of Administration and Corporate Affairs.
Reflecting on the inaugural NRG Impact Awards, we’re reminded of why they’re important to our culture; the awards showcase our core purpose and demonstrate our commitment to making a brighter, more sustainable future together.
Our winners were celebrated in both virtual and in-person ceremonies at our headquarters in Houston. They were recognized at our companywide town hall and took part in a celebratory day of curated events. To further amplify their dedication to the community, we donated $15k to nonprofit organizations of their choice.
Here’s a look at our award categories and winners:
Volunteer of the Year
This category applauds our top volunteers based on their total volunteer hours. Individuals receiving this award have dedicated their time and hard work to causes that resonate with them.
For 2023, the winners of Volunteer of the Year are:
- John Mehling - Senior Manager, Regional Operations
- Joseph Gibbons - Manager, Summer Sales
- Konrad Chen - Senior Manager, Product Testing
- Melissa Forde - Continuous Improvement Analyst
- Nola Williams - Staff Accountant L
Community Champion
This category highlights our teammates who exemplify NRG’s values in the community, lifting up our nonprofit partners while encouraging teammates to do the same. Winners of this award are fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and collaboration inside and outside our organization.
For 2023, the winners of Community Champion are:
- Cecil Cofie - Engineer, Cedar Bayou Energy Station
- Milly Astwood - Project Manager, Cyber Security
- Nikki Marbley - Senior Quality Analyst
- Patricia Hartley - Customer Service Representative
- Penny Barlow - Business Analyst II
Purpose on Point
This category celebrates teammates who demonstrate a commitment to driving forward one or more components of NRG's new purpose statement: To power a brighter future together. One that is safe, smart, and sustainable. These individuals promote safety in the workplace, facilitate teambuilding, and enable others to work smarter and more sustainably.
For 2023, the winners of Purpose on Point are:
- Cathleen Madrona - Manager, UX/UI Design
- Gabriel Montague - Director, Cyber Operations and Response
- Jesse Walker - Account Creation Supervisor
- Lynda Wallen - Secretary II, Plum Point Energy Station
- Stephanie Brunson - Director, Continuous Improvement & Instructional Design
The Impact Awards winners are shaping our organization with their passion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference. These awards are more than just a recognition — they remind us of our power to bring positive change to lives and communities. Thank you to all our winners and nominees for your exceptional contributions. Your work truly makes an impact.
Be sure to check out the ceremony here:
