Since 1957, rural electric cooperatives and public power systems in the southwestern region have been joined together as members of the Southwestern Power Resources Association (SPRA). What began as the Committee on Power for the Southwest, SPRA continues as a voluntary organization of consumer-owned electric systems located in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. These systems are customers of the Southwestern Power Administration, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which markets hydroelectric power generated at 24 multi-purpose Corps of Engineers water projects in this region.
SPRA has a record of significant accomplishments on behalf of its membership. It supports appropriations for both the Corps of Engineers and the Southwestern Power Administration for water development studies, project construction, operation and maintenance (O&M), and the federal power marketing activities. We boast the first of its kind, tri-party Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with Southwestern Power Administration and the US Army Corps of Engineers, allowing SPRA members to directly fund Corps non-routine O&M work necessary to ensure the reliability of hydropower projects.
SPRA has been a major force in defeating proposals to alter national policies requiring federal power be sold at cost and made available to nonprofit consumer-owned electric systems. These policies were enacted by Congress more than 90 years ago as a means to assure the benefits of national water resources development are retained by the public.
SPRA activities have benefited millions of rural and small town electric consumers in the Southwest region, while providing solid support for repayment of the federal investment in the power facilities in a consistent and timely manner. Grassroots support by its membership has assured the continued flow of federal power to the region on a not-for-profit basis.
Announcement of New Executive Director – Barbara Smith
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the selection of Barbara Smith as the new Executive Director of the Southwestern Power Resources Association (SPRA). Please join us in welcoming Barbara to the SPRA family.
Many of you may already know Barbara from her frequent attendance at our annual meetings as an employee of the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA). She holds a degree in public policy and administration and brings over 20 years of experience with the power marketing administrations and the federal hydropower program.
Throughout her distinguished federal career, Barbara has served not only at SWPA but also at the Southeastern Power Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, and the Alaska Power Administration prior to its transfer to the state. Currently, she serves as Deputy Assistant Administrator in SWPA’s Liaison Office, where she regularly interfaces with the Department of Energy, the Office of Management and Budget, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and congressional staff. Her extensive experience and broad professional network will be invaluable in her new role at SPRA.
Barbara stood out as a candidate not only for her deep knowledge of the federal hydropower program, PMA rate and marketing processes, and federal budgeting, but also for her legislative experience, strong communication skills, and proven leadership. Her dedication to preserving the benefits of federal hydropower for SPRA’s members was especially compelling. The Executive Committee unanimously recommended her, and the Board unanimously approved her selection.
We are confident that Barbara brings the ideal combination of experience, knowledge, integrity, and enthusiasm to this leadership role. She will be a great fit with SPRA’s existing team of employees and consultants, and we believe you will find her to be highly engaged and attentive to the needs of each SPRA member.
Barbara currently resides in Washington, D.C. and will be relocating to Tulsa. Her official start date is planned for September 8.
Sincerely,
Slade Mitchell
SPRA Board President
Director of Operations Alice Wiltse
Alice Wiltse joined the SPRA team in November of 2015. A native of the SPRA member state of Louisiana, Alice’s previous experience includes time served on staff of the Honorable Rodney Alexander of Louisiana’s Fifth District Congressional Office.
Before joining SPRA, Alice traveled extensively, living in both Europe and Southeast Asia and touring more than a dozen countries around the world. After returning to the United States, Alice attended Georgetown University, where she graduated with a degree in Government with an emphasis in International Relations. She has worked with numerous humanitarian non-profits, including a non-profit she chartered, which served impoverished school systems in West Africa.
During her free time, Alice enjoys spending time with friends, rooting for the New Orleans Saints and visiting her hometown in central Louisiana, where her family still resides.