Army leaders recognized by Department of Energy for advancing energy excellence

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program has recognized three U.S. Army professionals for their contributions to advancing energy dominance and independence.

The FEDS Spotlight program honors federal employees who go beyond their daily responsibilities to reduce costs, cut energy waste and enhance national energy security.

The three Army nominees were selected as winners for the Professional Achievement award, which recognizes leadership and innovation in modernizing energy infrastructure, improving energy resilience and driving cost savings across the force.

"The achievements of these professionals directly contribute to warfighter readiness and operational excellence," said Brandon Cockrell, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for energy and sustainability. "By pioneering solutions that secure Army energy dominance, they ensure our installations are fully equipped to support mission success, project power and maintain our nation’s strategic edge."

The Professional Achievement award recipients are:

• Col. Martin Naranjo, director of the Army Reserve Installation Management Directorate. Naranjo was recognized for modernizing the U.S. Army Reserve’s utility infrastructure. He spearheaded the first virtual Installation Energy and Water Plan, which achieved a 36% reduction in energy use and a 58% reduction in water consumption. He also secured funding for major microgrid projects and expanded intergovernmental support agreements to streamline procurement.
• Antonio Franco, supervisor engineer and operations branch chief for the U.S. Army Installation Management Command. Franco was recognized for overseeing utility optimization and energy resilience programs. He standardized utility reimbursement processes and implemented a facility re-tuning program that generated $9.1 million in annual savings across 65 locations. His oversight of 22 utility systems helped shape a $1.5 billion, decade-long investment pipeline for future energy resilience projects.
• Jim Imhoff, lead action officer for the Resilient Energy Funding for Readiness and Modernization and Black Start Exercise programs. Imhoff was recognized for managing an energy and water management portfolio exceeding $134 million. He advanced project execution across active, Reserve and National Guard components by standardizing processes and delivering electrical and facility upgrades. His coordination of 23 Black Start Exercises streamlined reporting and funded projects that resolve energy security vulnerabilities.

The remarkable accomplishments of these three distinguished professionals underscore the Army’s unwavering commitment to energy resilience, sustainability, and operational readiness. The Army proudly congratulates these FEDS Spotlight honorees for their exceptional dedication and vital role in shaping a more resilient and modern force for the future.

"FEMP has been a great partner for the Army and we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate some of our accomplished teammates who are making an impact," said Jordan Gillis, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment.

"Our energy managers, and these three professionals in particular, are doing innovative work to enhance energy resilience and secure our infrastructure, ensuring that our warfighters can seamlessly train, deploy and fight without interruption, regardless of the mission or threat we face."