Murillo assumes top job at Grand Coulee Dam

GRAND COULEE DAM — The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation filled the top job at Grand Coulee Dam, the agency announced last week.

David G. Murillo is the new power manager at the country's largest hydroelectric dam, replacing Dave Lyngholm who started in 2000.

Bill McDonald, the bureau's regional director for the Pacific Northwest office, said he was pleased with the selection of Murillo.

"His strong technical background, proven track record of problem-solving and project management, and leadership skills make him ideally suited to be the power manager," said McDonald.

The position was filled after a nationwide search of applicants in both the public and private sector, said Diana Cross, the bureau's regional public affairs officer.

Murillo, 47, managed the bureau's Yakima Field Office since 2000. He supervised about 60 employees and led the operation and maintenance of storage reservoirs, fish facilities, diversion dams and hydropower plants.

He worked with local irrigators, the Yakama Nation and other power and fisheries interests to address needs throughout the region. He managed the Yakima River through two of the most severe droughts on record, Cross said.

Before joining the Bureau of Reclamation, Murillo worked for the U.S. Department of Energy in Hanford.

As power manager at Grand Coulee Dam he will be responsible for running all facilities, including 33 generators in three power plants, one pumping plant and three switchyards. Murillo will coordinate dam operations with the Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, other agencies and state water officials on issues as sensitive as the Endangered Species Act, Cross said.

He and his family plan to move to the Grand Coulee area in January.

Lyngholm, the current power manager, will continue working at the dam for a couple months to assist with the transition, said Cross.