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Local Leader Wins National Utility Award
6 Jul
Summary
- Don Harrod received the Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award in Boston.
- He managed Minster's utility services for 32 years.
- The award recognizes managers in small communities with broad duties.
Minster Village Administrator Don Harrod was presented with the prestigious Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award during the American Public Power Association's National Conference held in Boston recently. This award specifically acknowledges utility managers who excel in communities with fewer than 2,500 electric meters, managing a wider range of responsibilities than their counterparts in larger systems. Minster, with its 1,554 electric meters, fits this profile perfectly.
For 32 years, Harrod has been the administrator for Minster, overseeing all vital utility services. His tenure has been marked by substantial infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to the electric distribution system and water infrastructure, alongside various energy initiatives. He works collaboratively with engineers and architects to ensure projects are both technically sound and aesthetically aligned with the village's character.
Harrod's long-standing dedication makes him the village's longest-tenured employee, acting as a foundational figure for its operations and significantly shaping its growth. He also contributes to strategic planning and economic development as a delegate to the Auglaize County Regional Planning Commission and a member of the Community Improvement Corporation. Earlier, in September 2025, he also received the AMP Seven Hats Award.
