News Release Archive

Stephanie Utter Honored for Professional Achievement

Media Contact: Bill Gray , (509) 754-0214

For Release: September 09, 2003

EPHRATA, Wash. - Stephanie Utter is a natural when it comes to motivating others to find workable solutions to some of the most complex land resource issues in Columbia Basin Project of eastern Washington.

Utter's ability to craft new ways for the Bureau of Reclamation to do business will earn her national recognition with the prestigious Women of Color Research Sciences and Technology Award that will be presented to her by Career Communications Group on September 12-13 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Utter, a Reclamation land resource manager, was honored before family, friends and coworkers in Ephrata with a special award presented by Reclamation Regional Director Bill McDonald and Bill Gray, Upper Columbia Deputy Area Manager on August 29.

"Stephanie demonstrates a positive attitude and a solid work ethic that is always encouraging to others," McDonald said. "Presenting her with this award is an honor for me as it is for all of us in Reclamation."

Gray joined in the award presentation by recognizing Utter for fostering positive working relationships while thoroughly completing tasks.

"She is able to think outside the box and problem solve with diverse groups while protecting Reclamation interests and natural resources," said Gray. "Through her actions she has become a role model and encourages others to pursue their goals and dreams."

The Women of Color Awards Conference celebrates the superior achievements of minority women by recognizing their accomplishments as leaders in the fields of math, science, technology, and engineering. The award is sponsored by the Career Communications Group, Inc., a minority-owned media services company founded in 1983 to promote excellence honoring female minority professionals in the world of technology.

Mrs. Utter and her family live in Moses Lake, Washington. Her husband, Chad Utter, is a Vocational Agriculture and Metals Teacher at Moses Lake High School. They have two daughters, Charlaine and Terrin.

Stephanie's educational background and work history:

While attending classes at Montana State University, Stephanie worked for a short time with the Forest Service as a Forestry Technician and then worked with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks as an assistant to the Research Specialist. From 1993 to 1994, she worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Reclamation in a shared position as a Co-operative Education Student. Stephanie graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture in December of 1994. In 1995, she became a Natural Research Specialist for the Bureau of Reclamation in the Montana Area Office. In August of 1999, Stephanie came to the Ephrata Field Office, continuing as a Natural Resource Specialist. She was selected as Manager of the Land Resources Division in January of 2001. Stephanie was nominated for the Women of Color Emerald Honor for Professional Achievement in May of this year. On September 13th, she will receive the Emerald Honor Award for Professional Achievement at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.