PORT TOWNSEND — Joseph Wilson has emerged from the Jefferson County PUD’s six-month national search to be named the utility’s next general manager.
“In a leadership role, I’m not delivering services directly,” Wilson said at the PUD commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday. “My leadership team will be dedicated to creating the environment, the systems and structures so our employees can deliver excellent services to our customers firsthand.”
The goal of leadership’s decisions will be to add value to the customers, who own the utility, Wilson said.
Wilson was named at Tuesday’s meeting.
The search saw 49 candidates, said PUD commissioner Jeff Randall. Finally, five candidates were interviewed by the commissioners over three days late in June.
Wilson will have a four-year contract, starting at $365,000, Randall said.
“Then there’s other benefits that are attributable to regular PUD employees,” he added.
Wilson will receive payment for his resettlement costs as well, Randall said.
Currently employed as the deputy general manager of Tacoma Power, Wilson has 30 years of industry experience.
After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in electrical engineering, Wilson worked for Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy, Eugene Water and Electric Board and Peninsula Light Co. before beginning his tenure at Tacoma Power in 2010 as a system planning senior power division supervisor.
Wilson will start on Aug. 4. He will be responsible for overseeing the utility’s power, water and broadband programs, which include more than 80 employees and an $85 million annual budget.
“Wilson will take the helm at a busy time for the PUD,” a press release stated.
The PUD has announced $70 million in electric infrastructure upgrades to be completed over the next four years. It is currently two years into a five-year, $55 million rural broadband expansion, and is responsible for operating duties for the Port Hadlock sewage treatment plant, the press release stated.
The PUD also has more than $10 million in planned water system repairs and upgrades over the remainder of the decade, the press release stated.
Wilson will take over for current General Manager Kevin Streett. With a career spanning more than four decades, Street joined the utility as a part of the young electrical division in 2012.
Wilson said the first time he met Streett was at the Northwest Public Power Association’s annual meeting in May. Streett received the NWPPA’s life member award, Wilson said.
“His dedication to this utility and community are just unquestionable,” Wilson said. “I’m going to have a really hard time filling his shoes.”
“I just want to thank Joe for coming here,” Streett said. “We have a great community. I think we have a great board. I think you’re going to come in here and have a great time. Thank you, and we appreciate you being here.”
“Welcome, Joe,” PUD special adviser Donald McDaniel said. “I think you’re going to inherit a group of hard-working, dedicated employees. As far as moving to Jefferson County, all I have to say is welcome to paradise. Kevin, won’t be long, and you can see beyond 4:30 to 5 in the morning, buddy.”
________
Reporter Elijah Sussman can be reached by email at elijah.sussman@sequimgazette.com.
Kevin Streett.
