Gerde returning to former home

EPHRATA — Nick Gerde is the new man in charge of finances at the Grant County Public Utility District.

The PUD commission unanimously approved the hire of Gerde Monday to the position of PUD treasurer controller, the official who serves as the chief financial officer for the utility. Gerde's approval was one of several actions taken by the commission during their regular business meeting Monday.

Gerde has more than 30 years of financial and accounting management experience in both the public and private sector.

Prior to coming to the PUD, Gerde served as vice president of finance and chief financial officer for IMPCO Technologies, which serves as a source of advanced alternative fuel systems technology.

He is familiar to the region, having lived for 15 years in Wenatchee. He has also previously had a home in Grant County, citing his experience as a ratepayer for the utility.

"This is coming home to me," Gerde said after Monday's meeting. PUD general manager Tim Culbertson said in a press release that Gerde was a natural candidate for the position.

"He has an impeccable record of success in his past roles as chief financial officer for various organizations," Culbertson said.

The PUD has been without a permanent treasurer controller since Laura Lyon left the post last year. PUD Deputy Treasurer Controller and Finance Director Melinda Barnes has been filling in at the post.

"With his professional experience, I'm sure that the district is going to benefit immensely," said Commission President Bill Bjork.

The PUD will start its 2006 budget process in June and July, "and he's going to be the main focal point of that whole thing," Bjork said. Monday was Gerde's first day at the PUD.

Also at Monday's PUD meeting, the commission failed to approve a separation package for telecommunications employees whose jobs are being eliminated. Commissioner Greg Hansen made a motion to approve the resolution, which died after no second was made. If the action had passed, the PUD would have moved forward with a severance package for eight telecommunications employees, part of a reduction in force plan.