Honoring our Dedicated Volunteers

Giving back to the communities we serve is one PG&E’s core values. Each year since 1986, PG&E has recognized five employees who embody this dedication with an award for outstanding community service, named in honor of Frederick W. Mielke, Jr., a former chairman and CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric Company who demonstrated tireless community service.

PG&E donated a total of $30,000 last year to non-profit organizations on behalf of the Mielke Awards finalists and semi-finalists. In addition, one finalist was selected by employees, via online and text messaging voting, to represent PG&E at the Jefferson Awards for community service in Washington, DC.

Julie Cosgrove-Garcia

An employee of Pacific Gas and Electric Company for 31 years, Julie Cosgrove-Garcia is an operating clerk-typist who, for the past nine years, has advocated for an organization focused on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is the most common, lethal, genetic disorder of children and affects roughly one in 3,500 boys, including her son. She has worked tirelessly, networking with doctors, researchers and other parents to help fund research, raise awareness, promote advocacy and broaden treatment options.

Cynthia Haynes

Cynthia Haynes is a 20-year employee of Pacific Gas and Electric Company who works on the SmartMeter™ program. Her volunteer efforts began in her home town of Lodi many years ago and continue in Lockeford, where she is president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to tackling issues such as downtown revitalization and graffiti abatement, she also plans and coordinates the city’s Tree of Lights event, raising funds for Hospice of San Joaquin, an organization for which she has volunteered for 18 years.

Brian King

Brian King has worked at Pacific Gas and Electric Company for 17 years in the Finance department. Six years ago, he and his wife, Dawna, founded an organization called Kingdom Children, with the goal of helping communities locate missing children and provide a mechanism for runaways to reach out and safely come home. King is involved in all aspects of running the nonprofit, including speaking to city officials, mayors and chiefs of police to develop strong and productive partnerships.

Kathy Lavezzo

For more than 28 years, Kathy Lavezzo has worked for Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and she is currently a senior account executive in Energy Solutions and Service. She is on the board and is a member of several committees for the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce, Human Investment Project Housing (which helps thousands each year find suitable living arrangements) and the Peninsula Family YMCA (which provides many essential youth programs). Lavezzo is also a member of the job support network team at St. Gregory’s Parish and is involved in a new Arts and Sciences building at Serra High.

John McDougal

A 14-year veteran of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, John McDougal is a supervisor in the Land and Environmental Management department. Eight years ago, he and his wife lost one of their twin daughters at just 7 weeks of age due to a rare heart defect. The McDougals were so grateful for the care of the doctors and staff at Children’s Hospital Central California that they have raised more than $260,000 over eight years to help other families in the valley to receive the same quality care. This is his second Mielke Award in five years.