Steve Klein Resigning As Snohomish PUD General Manager

In 2006 Steve Klein was named to replace former Everett Mayor Ed Hansen as General Manager of Snohomish PUD. Today the PUD announced Klein will leave the Everett-based utility on May 1st. Here are the details.

Snohomish County Public Utility District CEO/General Manager Steve Klein has announced his retirement from the utility, effective May 1, 2015. Klein has led the PUD for nine years.

Klein is recognized for his expertise and vision in the areas of smart grid modernization, advanced telecommunications technology and energy storage. At Snohomish PUD, he also has been instrumental in the research and development of multiple renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, biomass/biogas and small hydropower. Under Klein’s leadership, the utility has emerged as a national leader in the research of tidal energy.

“The PUD has benefitted greatly from having such a highly regarded and skilled manager,” said PUD Board of Commissioners President Kathleen Vaughn. “The energy industry has become increasingly complex, and Steve’s forward-thinking vision has been central to our success.”

The utility’s Board of Commissioners will conduct a thorough internal and external search, both regionally and nationally, to select the right individual to lead the PUD. With a seasoned leadership team in place, the PUD Board has expressed its confidence that multiple initiatives underway and day-to-day utility operations will move forward successfully in Klein’s absence. If needed, the utility will appoint an interim general manager prior to May 1.

“I applaud Steve Klein for introducing cutting edge technology to help drive our region’s clean energy economy,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “He is a proven innovator, positioning Snohomish County PUD as a true leader and setting the standard for other utilities throughout the country.”

Before joining the utility in 2006, Klein headed Tacoma Power for 13 years. His vision to integrate advanced telecommunications technology with electric distribution systems led to the successful Click! Network in Tacoma. His more recent work with a broad public-private coalition of partners to develop standardized, fully integrated energy storage systems promises to transform the market, lower costs and help utilities and their customers better manage renewable energy. He has served on numerous regional and national boards and committees.