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Nordt steps down as general manager and CEO of Grant PUD

Nordt steps down as general manager and CEO of Grant PUD

General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Nordt has stepped down from this position to assume an important but less physically demanding role in helping assure a long-term power supply for Grant PUD customers. Nordt, 56, has undergone vigorous treatment for prostate cancer since he was diagnosed in June 2020.

Grant PUD Chief Operations Officer Rich Wallen will become acting general manager through the balance of the year until commissioners decide on a longer-term appointment.

“I have responded well to my treatments but I also have seen my capabilities diminish significantly. This is no surprise; just part of the deal,” Nordt said. “I have now come to the realization that my health no longer allows me to function in the role of general manager/CEO at the level our employees and the people of Grant County deserve. Rich Wallen is a skilled and wonderful fellow. I will do everything I can to make he and Grant PUD successful, going forward.”

Nordt will become chief resource officer, working with a team of employees to assure Grant PUD a long-term power supply. The move comes strategically, as Grant PUD evaluates new resources to meet future customer needs. The team’s work to develop a resource strategy amid a rapidly changing industry landscape will set the stage for the utility’s success well into the 21st Century, according to a release.

Nordt began his career at Grant PUD in 2006 after years as a nuclear engineer, energy trader, analyst and power supply strategy manager for Portland General Electric and later as coordinator of Mid-Columbia River dam operations. He started as director of power management and then became chief financial officer. Commissioners selected him as general manager in June 2016.

“Kevin has been an excellent leader,” Commission President Larry Schaapman said. “We’ve held him in high regard for the places he’s taken this utility. We look forward to him being influential in an advisory role and view Rich Wallen as an outstanding choice for interim general manager. The core values of the utility will not be disrupted.”

Established by local residents over 80 years ago, Grant PUD generates and delivers energy to millions of customers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Grant PUD owns and operates the 955.6-MW Priest Rapids and 1,092-MW Wanapum projects on the Columbia River, as well as operating the 9.4-MW Quincy Chute and 6.5-MW Potholes East Canal projects.