PUD seeks applicants for vacancy on board

The Grays Harbor PUD Commissioners have announced an upcoming vacancy on the PUD Board of Commissioners. The vacancy arises because of the retirement of District 3 Commissioner Russ Skolrood.

Under state law, the two remaining Commissioners have 90 days to appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy until next year’s election. Application instructions can be found on the PUD website at www.ghpud.org. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on June 30.

The candidate for the position must be a registered voter living within the PUD’s District 3 which includes Hoquiam, Humptulips, Ocean Shores, Copalis, Pacific Beach, Moclips, Taholah, Amanda Park and Quinault. Grays Harbor PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, encourages all qualified individuals in the community to apply.

Candidates should have a strong interest in public service, be willing to commit the time necessary to perform the commissioner’s duties.

The PUD commissioners will be addressing significant issues for the customers of the PUD during 2021 and the future, including compliance with the Energy Independence Act, requirements for renewable energy and conservation, rising costs of power and operations, minimal load growth, and future power supply challenges. The commissioners also approve the utility budget; make policy decisions that affect the district and its customers; set rates and charges for services; approve the strategic plan and appoint the general manager.

The position of PUD commissioner pays a monthly salary and per diem compensation for meetings attended on behalf of the district pursuant to RCW 54.12.080. Commissioners are also eligible for group insurance for themselves, their immediate family and dependents.

GGHI announces new director of business development

Greater Grays Harbor Inc. has announced the hiring of a new director of business development, David Faro. Faro will arrive in Aberdeen to begin his role this month.

Faro brings with him a wide range of professional and academic experience, including large-scale global event management with a focus on tourism, career and technical education, business planning and program development. Faro has collaborated on several private/public sector initiatives regionally, with recent concentration on workforce development and agriculture innovation.

In his role as director of business development, Faro will work with local, regional, state and federal stakeholders on business attraction, retention and expansion projects to bolster the Grays Harbor economy. In addition, Faro will be able to support GGHI’s expansion of services related to technical and business assistance.

“GGHI is so excited to fill this position with someone of David’s talents,” said CEO Lynnette Buffington. “David has worked with global brands and leaders, as well as spending time in the agriculture and property development sectors. Our community will immediately benefit from his experiences.”

“There are all sorts of reasons to be enthusiastic about Grays Harbor and the future of the region,” said Faro. “I am delighted that I have the opportunity to be a part of the business community and to participate in its growth and development over the next several years.”

— The Daily World