Columbia River PUD > News > PUD Makes Staffing Changes

PUD Makes Staffing Changes

September 22, 2015 – Columbia River People’s Utility District Interim General Manager John Nguyen announced several staffing changes today. Managers Serena Brooks, Sheila Duehring, Steve Hursh and Val Koss are no longer with the PUD. Nguyen has reassigned their duties to other PUD employees.

“I know our customers will continue to receive the same quality service that we have always provided,” said Nguyen. “We are fortunate to have capable employees who can fill multiple roles. I expect a smooth transition.”

In Engineering, Branden Staehely currently serves as the PUD’s Distribution Engineer. He will add the role of Engineering Supervisor. He holds an Electrical Engineering degree from OIT and a California Professional Engineers license, and he will soon be a licensed P.E. in Oregon.

PUD Operations Supervisor Eli Crape has managed the day-to-day operations of the line crews since 2013. He will continue to serve in that role.

Rick Calnon, the PUD’s Network Administrator and a 19-year employee with extensive knowledge of the PUD’s IT systems and processes, will add the role of IT Supervisor.

In Administration, 15-year employee Heidi Ralls will serve as supervisor in addition to her role as Executive Assistant.

Rick Lugar managed Finance, Accounting and Customer Services for the PUD for many years. He is currently overseeing Customer Service and Energy Services, and his role is being expanded again to oversee Accounting as well. Two employees will serve under him as department supervisors:

  • Becky Anicker will serve as Customer Service Supervisor, a role she filled on an interim basis earlier this year. She will also continue serving as Business Systems Analyst.
  • In Energy Services, Key Accounts Manager Tim Lammers will be returning to the Energy Services Supervisor position, which he previously held from 2007 until 2013.

Nguyen said the PUD was still on track to complete capital projects and system maintenance budgeted for 2015, and would begin working on the 2016 PUD budget immediately.