Your PUD Message from the General Manager

Important to carry on what we’ve started

By John Janney, General Manager

8/3/2010

Our Chelan County PUD Board of Commissioners recently appointed me to serve as general manager following the departure of Rich Riazzi. I’m honored to follow in Rich’s footsteps because I want to keep the utility moving forward, providing reliable and affordable electric, fiber, water and wastewater services to our customers.

Three years ago I was hired after a lengthy process to serve as the PUD’s chief risk officer – and I was selected to serve in the combined chief financial officer/chief risk officer position in 2008. Given my background, you might expect me to say that managing finances is the key to PUD success. While that is crucial, I believe the key to our long-term success is being responsive to our customers. In a rapidly changing industry and regulatory environment, it is critical that we remain innovative and nimble. Our employees have a wealth of knowledge and experience we can’t do without, and I want to make sure we retain and nurture their talents.

I have a long track record of working for both public and private utilities. I understand what it takes to run a successful utility, and I am honored to be selected by the board.

My wife, Colette, and I have grown to cherish this community. It’s where we’re raising our three children. I love watching my kids play soccer and softball in the PUD’s parks, and we all enjoy the skiing, bicycling, camping, and back-country hiking this area offers.

In talking with our Board of Commissioners and other members of the PUD Executive Team, we agree it’s important to carry on the work Rich started, especially the strategic planning effort. As some of our existing long-term power contracts end in the next couple of years, we have the opportunity to provide benefits for this community that will stretch out for decades – long enough for my children and, hopefully, even their children to enjoy the great quality of life our valley provides. My goal is to provide the PUD, and all of you, with seamless leadership as we keep focused on our work. My door and my e-mail inbox are always open for suggestions, and I’ll be doing my best to talk with you as we move forward together.

John.janney@chelanpud.org
509 661-4602