Interim General Manager Agreement Extended

August 17, 2016 – John Nguyen will continue to lead Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) following an August 16 vote by the PUD’s Board of Directors to extend his appointment as interim General Manager for another year.

“John has taken the PUD in a very positive direction after a period of turmoil,” said PUD Board President Jake Carter. “By keeping him as interim General Manager, we can provide stability for our customers and employees and keep the momentum going.”

Nguyen, who has worked for the PUD for more than 28 years, was originally appointed interim General Manager in August of 2015. Since his appointment, the PUD passed its first balanced budget since 2011, successfully responded to the largest outage in PUD history, refinanced its long-term debt for $353,000 in interest savings, instituted a new low-income senior discount, and conducted an employee survey that showed high morale and job satisfaction among PUD employees. A recent mid-year review forecasted 2016 operating expenses to fall well under budget, with major capital projects completed on or ahead of schedule.

“I appreciate the Board’s confidence in me,” said Nguyen. “I look forward to continuing to work with our dedicated staff to build on the positive accomplishments we’ve had over the last year.”