Rich Wallen, Grant County PUD general manager and CEO, has announced his resignation from the Washington State public power utility.
The resignation, which was given to Grant PUD’s Board of Commissioners on May 7, is effective on June 14.
Wallen has been with Grant PUD for seven years and served the last two and a half as the utility’s general manager.
“During his time as CEO, Rich oversaw profound changes at Grant PUD,” stated Grant PUD Commission President Tom Flint. “Under his leadership, we have become more efficient and fiscally sound. Rich led a strategic re-alignment of the utility which sets the stage for Grant PUD to meet the changes and challenges in the evolving electric utility industry. He has also been a tireless advocate for hydropower in the Northwest, serving as a spokesperson for the industry, plus a board member and trusted advisor with many hydropower advocacy organizations.
Wallen is leaving Grant PUD for employment with Chelan PUD as their Chief Operating Officer.
Flint and the other members of the board plan to begin the work of selecting a replacement for Wallen.
