At the 2026 ElectriCities Annual Conference, we recognized six individuals with Public Power Awards for their outstanding contributions to public power.
Rob Miller from the City of Monroe received the Distinguished Service Award.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes leaders with 10 or more years of experience who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to public power, brought their organization to a new level of excellence, led by example, and inspired their employees and staff to improve processes, services, and operations.
That describes Rob perfectly. His career is a public power success story.
Rob joined the City of Monroe in 2012 and worked his way up through compliance, energy services, gas operations, and management before being named General Manager of Energy Services and Water Resources.
Today, he oversees electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater services for one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing communities.
At a time when communities face growing infrastructure demands, Rob has earned a reputation for seeing the big picture. He understands how utility decisions affect economic development, reliability, community growth, and the day-to-day lives of residents.
Colleagues describe him as someone who can evaluate the moving parts, bring people together, and find practical solutions that serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Rob’s leadership has produced measurable results.
He helped guide Monroe in earning consecutive Reliable Public Power Provider designations from the American Public Power Association, recognizing the utility’s commitment to high-quality electric service.
He also led efforts that earned national recognition for Monroe’s natural gas operations and oversaw major modernization projects, including replacing and retrofitting thousands of electric and gas meters.
But what sets Rob apart is not just what he manages. It’s how he serves.
As Monroe recruits new businesses and supports existing industries, Rob is often part of the earliest conversations. Economic development leaders rely on him to determine what’s possible, what infrastructure is needed, and how the community can grow responsibly while maintaining reliable service for the customers who already call Monroe home.
Recently, when ATI Specialty Materials considered a major industrial expansion involving more than $300 million in investment, Rob played a central role. Monroe’s Economic Development Director, Teresa Campo, said utility planning and infrastructure capabilities were critical factors in securing that project.
Those who work with Rob say one of his greatest strengths is his ability to balance ambition with responsibility. While he’s always looking for ways to support growth, he’s also willing to ask hard questions, protect community resources, and make sure promises made today can be delivered tomorrow.
That thoughtful approach has earned the trust of City leadership, economic development partners, businesses, and customers alike.
Colleagues also emphasize that Rob never views success as a solo accomplishment. He’s quick to credit his team, invest in the people around him, and remind others that strong utilities are built by strong employees working together toward a common goal.
Those who work alongside Rob say one of his defining leadership strengths is his ability to empower others. He gives people the trust, support, and accountability they need to lead, while staying present when needed. That approach has helped develop strong leaders throughout Monroe’s utility organization.
Team members also point to Rob’s steady influence on Monroe’s transformation over the past several years. Many of the systems that support the utility today have been shaped by Rob’s leadership, from improving pay structures and strengthening retention, to building a strong safety culture and helping position Monroe as a leader in economic development.
As one colleague put it, Rob is a powerhouse whose knowledge, experience, and calm approach earn the trust of everyone around him.
After more than a decade of service to Monroe, Rob’s impact can be seen in stronger utility systems, successful economic development projects, and a community better prepared for future growth. His work demonstrates exactly why public power matters and the value of dedicated leaders who serve their communities with expertise, integrity, and vision.
Rob, congratulations on receiving this year’s Public Power Distinguished Service Award. Thank you for all you’ve done and for being a shining example of public power and public service.
Meet the additional 2026 Public Power Award recipients:
- Rising Star Award: Shawn Young from Wilson
- Many Hats Award (for communities with 5,000 or fewer meter customers): Anna Hughey from Maiden
- Many Hats Award (for communities with more than 5,000 meter customers): Sandy Driggers from High Point
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Vivian Jones from Wake Forest
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Randy McCaslin from High Point