New River Light and Power Press Release

June 16, 2025

App State’s New River Light and Power communications specialist receives national recognition

BOONE, N.C. — Mariana Greene, public communication specialist for Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP), received the 2025 Robert E. Roundtree Rising Star Award during the American Public Power Association (APPA) National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 10, 2025.

The Robert E. Roundtree Rising Star Award, named in honor of a longtime APPA leader and advocate, is awarded annually to an individual who has worked in public power for five years or less and is recognized by their peers for exemplary leadership and promise.

Greene, who serves as NRLP’s “one-stop shop” for communications, was selected for her outstanding leadership, strategic vision and commitment to public service. With a focus on community engagement, customer education and transparent outreach, she plays a central role in connecting NRLP with the nearly 9,000 customers it serves in Boone, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. When not in the office, you’ll find her cheerful presence representing the utility at many local events.

“Mariana has a deep passion for empowering customers through active, consistent communications,” said Matt Makdad, NRLP general manager. “Her ability to tell NRLP’s story and serve as a trusted voice — especially in times of crisis — is a great asset to our team and community.”

Greene was a key member of the team that developed NRLP’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, which helped the utility earn the ElectriCities Public Power Awards of Excellence and APPA’s Smart Energy Provider designation. During Hurricane Helene, Greene provided constant, clear updates across social media and NRLP’s website, keeping customers informed during a time of uncertainty.

This national award builds upon Greene’s 2024 recognition as the Rising Star Award recipient from ElectriCities of North Carolina, further underscoring her growing impact in the field of public power.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” said Greene.  “Public power is about people. Whether it’s providing outage communications in the middle of the night, encouraging the next generation of the public power workforce, or participating in community events, I’m grateful to play a role in keeping our customers connected.”

To learn more about NRLP, visit nrlp.appstate.edu.

About App State’s New River Light and Power

For 110 years, New River Light and Power (NRLP) — a nonprofit electric utility operated by Appalachian State University — has provided reliable power to residents of Western North Carolina. The utility currently serves approximately 9,000 residential and commercial customers in and around Boone, including the university. NRLP is dedicated to expanding access to higher education, contributing approximately $650,000 annually to the university’s general scholarship fund. Additionally, the utility awards NRLP scholarships to support graduating Watauga County high school seniors pursuing an App State education, as well as those interested in pursuing a career in linework. NRLP holds the American Public Power Association’s Reliable Public Power Provider and Smart Energy Provider designations, recognizing its commitment to safety, efficiency, renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Learn more about App State’s New River Light and Power at https://nrlp.appstate.edu. 

About the American Public Power Association

The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. Our association advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Our members strengthen their communities by providing superior service, engaging citizens, and instilling pride in community-owned power.