From nearly 200 Electrician of the Year nominees, we’ve narrowed it down to six. Gentlemen from across the country who inspired us with their dedication to professional development, dedication to safety, and dedication to their communities. It was an extremely tough decision, but we are proud to introduce the Electrician of the Year Regional Winners:
Region 1 – Northwest
Winner: Chris Morgan
Chris, from Casper, Wyoming, was one of our nominees most dedicated to safety. He is an electrical superintendent for Automation and Electronics operating in the Salt Creek oil fields. He is also an outreach safety trainer with the company, serves on the Automation and Electronics Safety Team, and is a certified OSHA 10/30 Instructor. He was proudly nominated by his wife, Brenda.
Region 2 – West
Winner: Sergio Cortez
It’s clear from just a short conversation with Sergio, just how passionate he is about the trade. He’s also just as passionate about teaching the next generation of electricians. In fact, he is writing a curriculum in Spanish to help the growing population of Hispanic electricians prepare for their certification and licensing exams. Sergio became an electrician when he was enlisted with the US Coast Guard. He now works as an electrician at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas, NV, and is an instructor at ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors). He was proudly nominated by his wife Veronica.
Region 3 – Great Lakes
Winner: Jamie Mance
Jamie, of Cleveland, OH, not only works as an electrician, but he also gives back as an electrician. He donates much of his spare time working on homes with Habitat for Humanity and Purple Heart Homes. He also works with contractors and supply houses to get all the materials donated. Jamie has also recruited 22 other electricians from IBEW Local 38 to volunteer. He was nominated by Dan Gallagher.
Region 4 – South
Winner: Byron Braquet
Byron has worked as an electrician for the same company, Triangle Electric in Lake Charles, LA, for 33 years. When the owner was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Byron stayed on to run the business for the next two years. Because of Byron’s loyalty, the owner left the company to him when she passed away. Byron was nominated by Michael Watley, from the local Graybar branch, who says Byron often brings in lunch for them.
Region 5 – Southeast
Winner: Billy Teaford
Though Billy has been an electrician at Roanoke Cement for 40 years, his real passion is bicycles. More specifically, he’s passionate about helping Toys for Tots give a bike to EVERY child in the Roanoke Valley who ask for one. For the last 11 years, he’s helped fundraise and organize the assembly of about 800 bikes each year to support the cause. At work, Billy is just as dedicated to safety. He’s never had a lost time accident in his 40 years of work and is responsible for training all new hires. He was proudly nominated by his daughter April.
Region 6 – Northeast
Winner: Stephen Shinney
Journeyman electrician Stephen, from the Boston, MA area, became an unlikely hero on April 15th, when he found himself in the middle of the Boston Marathon bombing. Stephen was near the finish line cheering on a friend when the first of two “pressure cooker” bombs exploded. Instead of running away, Stephen ran toward the chaos and helped move victims to the medical tent. He also used his previous EMT training to help administer IV’s and prepare victims for transport to the hospital. Stephen, who is a member of IBEW Local 103, was recognized by the City of Weymouth for his actions that day. He was nominated by Dan Intericola.
In recognition, each of our six regional winners will receive this Ultimate Garage Package, including: a 41-piece tool set, 2 Klein Tools stools, a Klein golf bag, Klein Fridge, and much more!
Now we have the extremely difficult task of choosing just one of these well-deserving men to be our first ever Electrician of the Year (we know you feel our pain!), who will win $5,000 worth of cash and Klein Tools. We’ll announce the winner in January.
Again, many thanks to all of you who submitted nominations for Electrician of the Year.