Columbia River PUD > News > Neal Sheppeard Joins PUD Board of Directors

Neal Sheppeard Joins PUD Board of Directors

Neal Sheppeard raises his right hand while reading the oath of office.
Neal Sheppeard was sworn in as a member of the Columbia River PUD Board of Directors on October 13.

Deer Island, OR – October 14, 2020 – Neal Sheppeard was sworn into office as a member of the Columbia River PUD Board of Directors on October 13. Sheppeard will serve as the Director of Subdivision 5, representing customers in Columbia City, Deer Island, Prescott, and Rainier.

Sheppeard fills the position of Harry Price, who resigned in September after moving out of the district.

The Board of Directors interviewed two candidates for the position and selected Sheppeard after much deliberation.

“This is definitely tough. We could take either one of you and be in good shape,” Board Member Jake Carter said during the deliberation. “If I’m splitting hairs, I see the FEMA training as being beneficial for the utility from a Board perspective.”

Sheppeard recently retired as Public Works Director of Operations at the City of St. Helens, where he worked for 35 years.

“I just want to give back to the community and stay active in retirement,” he said.

Carter also pointed to Sheppeard’s experience preparing budgets for the City of St. Helens as a strength he brings to the utility.

Sheppeard will serve the remainder of Price’s term, and the position will be on the ballot in 2022.

Sheppeard lives in Deer Island. He has three grown children and two grandchildren.