PUD's chief financial officer fired

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District's chief financial officer was fired Monday, without explanation.

Nick Gerde, district treasurer/controller, first took the position in April 2005.

PUD Commissioners Bob Bernd and Tom Flint confirmed Tuesday Gerde was terminated. They said the commission vote was unanimous.

Rita Bjork, a PUD spokeswoman, said the decision was with considerable thought and deliberation.

"The district found certain aspects of Mr. Gerde's performance to be unacceptable and concluded that separation was in its best long-term interest," Bjork said in a statement.

Bernd wouldn't discuss specific reasons for the firing, saying there were issues he's not at liberty to talk about.

"Obviously, in the opinion of the board, he was not doing the job that we had anticipated he would be doing," Bernd said.

"I'm not aware of any illegal activity," he added.

Gerde's responsibilities at the PUD included supervision of strategic planning, power management, accounting and finance. He headed the information technology departments. Gerde also managed all periodic internal and external financial reporting, cash and debt management, budgeting and forecasting.

Flint declined to provide specifics about the termination.

"We (the commissioners) were not totally happy with his performance," Flint said. "It has been a collection of things."

Gerde, reached by phone Tuesday, insisted he was in the dark about his termination.

"The resolution did not state (a reason), they haven't told me, that's all I have to say," Gerde said.

Gerde, of Wenatchee, had more than 30 years experience in financial and accounting management for both private and public companies before joining the district. He worked for companies specializing in aerospace manufacturing, telecommunications, commercial printing, hydraulics distribution, long-term healthcare and metal extrusions.

Prior to accepting the job at the PUD, Gerde served as vice president of finance and CFO for IMPCO Technologies, Inc., a source of fuel-systems technology and components for internal combustion engines.

PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson did not return messages seeking comment.

"Nick was a natural candidate for the position," Culbertson said in a news release provided when Gerde was hired. "He has an impeccable record of success in his past roles as chief financial officer for various organizations. We look forward to his guidance as we move forward."

Jim Bunch, the district's director of accounting, finance and strategic planning since February 2006, becomes the acting treasurer/controller, Bjork said.

Bunch, of Moses Lake, is a 23-year employee of Grant County PUD. He transferred from Benton County PUD in 1983, becoming an energy auditor in the conservation department. He was promoted to the role of senior financial analyst in 1999.