(VANCOUVER,
WA) - In a regular public meeting today, the Clark Public Utilities Board of Commissioners
selected Lena Wittler as the new General Manager and CEO and recessed to
executive session to discuss compensation. Before adjourning, the board
reconvened to introduce a resolution to adopt the General Manager and CEO’s
employment agreement, with an annual salary of $240,000, a $400 car allowance,
and all benefits currently afforded regular employees, for consideration during
the June 4 regular meeting.
General
Manager and CEO Wayne Nelson will retain his role as General Manager and CEO through
June 4 and will remain in the role of General Counsel through the end of June.
Following
public discussion and comment on agenda item “Consideration of Selection of
CEO/General Manager,” Commissioner Jane Van Dyke proposed elevating Wittler to
the role of General Manager and CEO, which was seconded by Commissioner Jim
Malinowski. The resolution was approved in a unanimous vote.
“This
utility is respected in the industry and by our customers and Ms. Wittler has
been instrumental in both fostering and nurturing relationships with our
various stakeholders,” said Commissioner Barnes, board president. “Ms. Wittler
has a deep and unique understanding of the opportunities ahead as well as the
challenges our industry is facing and provides a measured, data-driven approach
to leadership as we execute our priorities going forward.”
Wittler
is a 20-year veteran of the utility industry, having served in a variety of
finance, human resources and communications roles, most recently as the
Director of Communications and Employee Resources, overseeing all
communications, public affairs, utility-wide research and analytics, human
resources and loss control.
Noting
the utility’s unique culture of customer service, the board chose to interview
and evaluate only senior internal leaders in the succession planning process.
“Much
like the broad perspective, Mr. Nelson brought to his role, having served as
general legal counsel prior to serving as GM/CEO, Ms. Wittler has a unique
360-degree view of the utility. She’s led utility research and analytics for
more than a decade, overseeing all customer and internal communications, and
managing legislative policy and public affairs,” said Commissioner Van Dyke.
Wittler
is widely respected in the utility as a pragmatic and measured leader with an
ability to navigate complex issues diplomatically and with a broad perspective.
Prior to her work with the utility, she worked in education and judicial
support. She holds a B.A. from Willamette University and an M.B.A. from the
University of Portland. Throughout her career, Wittler has established a
reputation as an advocate for employee culture as a driver of customer service,
and is active in the industry research community, providing a deep and
comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The
board acknowledged the profound legacy Nelson will leave. In the course of his
nearly 30-year career, he led the utility through significant transitions
during which it has been widely regarded as best in class and ranked highest in
customer satisfaction among midsize electric utilities in the West by J.D.
Power for 11 years in a row.
“As
commissioners, we have been fortunate to have steady leadership at the helm of
this utility, in addition to consistency and experience among my board colleagues,”
said Malinowski. “The employee culture of this organization is uniquely
customer-focused and as a board we believe it’s important to maintain our
tradition of high customer satisfaction through consistent leadership and
cultural cohesion. For that reason, an elevation of a current employee to the
General Manager role was a natural path.”
During
his tenure, Nelson established an organizational commitment to doing what’s
right for all customers, providing safe and high-quality power and water in an
environmentally responsible way, while delivering consistently excellent
customer service. The board’s objective through this leadership transition is
to uphold and further improve the programs and services of the PUD while
maintaining the core principles of affordability, reliability, and customer
focus.
“Going
forward, our priorities are the same – providing high-quality service with
responsibility, accountability and transparency,” said Commissioner Barnes.
“Reliable and affordable electric and water service is paramount to our lives
and to business in Clark County. As customers of Clark Public Utilities, we all
benefit when the utility runs smoothly and I am confident that this next
chapter of leadership will continue in our tradition of excellence.”
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to nearly 200,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to nearly 40,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. More information available at www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to nearly 200,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to nearly 40,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. More information available at www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
