A 19-year Grant PUD employee with ample insights into energy-trading markets and the changing utility environment has been named to lead the team researching investments in new sources of energy to power Grant County into the future, the Washington State PUD said on April 3.
Rich Flanigan will begin his new role as chief commercial officer on April 11, 2025, but is already serving as “interim” chief until his official start date.
He replaces John Mertlich, whom commissioners recently chose to lead the utility as general manager & CEO.
“I am confident that with Rich’s experience and proven track record, he will be a great leader and advocate for Grant PUD,” Mertlich said.
“This is an exciting opportunity,” Flanigan said. “I’ve done a lot of different things at Grant PUD and have a good understanding of the District; that will help in my new role. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Flanigan joined Grant PUD in 2006 as a financial analyst and has since held positions that include senior term marketer and senior manager of Wholesale Marketing and Supply.
