Michael Sykes Hired as PUD General Manager

Deer Island, OR – July 27, 2020 – Columbia River PUD has hired Michael Sykes as its General Manager. Sykes will begin employment with the PUD on September 1, 2020, at a starting salary of $215,000.

“We are fortunate to have a person of Mike’s character, experience, and forthrightness coming on to lead CRPUD’s team of public-service professionals,” said PUD Board Member Rob Mathers.

Sykes is currently serving as City Manager for the City of Scappoose, where he has been actively involved in bringing business and industry to the area.

“I think the PUD’s low rates could be pivotal in attracting new industry to our communities. My experience in recruitment will be an asset that will help grow the customer base for the District,” Sykes said.

He has spent his career in the public realm, serving as Columbia County Commissioner from 1985 to 1995, Assistant Manager at the Port of St. Helens (now the Port of Columbia County) from 1995 to 1999, Commissioner for the Port of St. Helens and City Administrator in Vernonia from 1999 to 2003, and the City Manager of Forest Grove from 2004 to 2015. He holds a degree in Economics from Willamette University in Salem.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the team that moves the PUD forward,” Sykes said. “I have always been impressed by the high quality of service the PUD provides and I’m really excited about being part of the organization.”

Sykes and his wife Gail live in Scappoose. They enjoy actively maintaining their small woodland, being involved in the community, and attending sporting events. They have two adult children who graduated from Scappoose High School.

Columbia River PUD serves more than 19,500 customers while maintaining a strong reputation for excellent reliability, good service, and a full menu of programs and service options for customers.