News

New Discovery Center manager looks to inspire curiosity about hydropower’s benefits

by Rachel Hansen | Oct 28, 2021

“Thrilled to be here,” is how Kristin Wright Lodge describes being named Chelan County PUD’s new visitor services manager.  In that role she will oversee operations at the Discovery Center at Rocky Reach Dam and Chelan PUD’s many education programs.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the fantastic team at the Discovery Center and the talented staff at the District,” Lodge said. “It’s an honor to help inspire curiosity, share the benefits of the District's largest generating asset and build awareness and support for Chelan County PUD.” 

The Wenatchee Valley native started work at the Discovery Center this week. Lodge has a passion for building community and inspiring education.

She is formerly the Director of Development and Communications at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center and Senior Project Manager at the University of Washington marketing department. Lodge has a background in communications, public relations, community outreach, team building, events and educational programming.

In addition, Lodge is an active community volunteer serving as a youth soccer coach, Sunnyslope Elementary School PTSA vice president and on Wenatchee’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

Lodge joins the team as longtime Visitor Services Manager Debbie Gallaher prepares to retire in  December after 42 years with Chelan County PUD.

“Kristin’s passion and enthusiasm for public power and her years of experience in getting kids and the community excited about learning makes her a great match for this position,” said Dan Garrison, PUD hydro operations director. “While no one can replace Debbie Gallaher, we are excited to welcome Kristin and see the impact of Discovery Center programs continue to grow.”

The all-new Discovery Center at Rocky Reach Dam is open Tuesday-Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s free to visit all year round. (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.) 

* * *

For more information contact new Visitor Services Manager Kristin Lodge at kristin.lodge@chelanpud.org or (509) 663-7522. For information about the Discovery Center visit facebook.com/VisitRockyReach or email discoverycenter@chelanpud.org

Rocky Reach Discovery Center is located seven miles north of Wenatchee on Highway 97A on the west side of Chelan County PUD’s Rocky Reach Dam.  There is ample parking for guests, including RVs and buses at 5000 State Hwy 97A, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

Media contacts

Rachel Hansen: (509) 661-4320
Libby Siebens: (509) 661-8291

Outages or Emergencies

Visit our Safety and Outage Center for information, or to report an outage, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 1-877-PUD-8123.

EVENTS

See All Events