Randy Grove, the director of engineering and operations for the Central Lincoln People’s Utility District, has been picked as its general manager.
Grove replaces Debra Smith who left last year to become head of Seattle City Light.
The PUD’s board selected Grove in a special meeting Jan. 23 after a national search.
Central Lincoln PUD distributes electricity to 10 cities, including Yachats, and parts of four counties on the Oregon Coast.
Although there were many applicants from the Pacific Northwest and several finalists for the position, Grove stood out as a candidate, said Keith Tymchuk of Reedsport, Central Lincoln’s board president. “Randy brings a career’s worth of engineering experience with Central Lincoln, and an inclusive, open leadership skill set that is highly regarded by the employees who report to him, and those who work with him.”
Grove began his career at Central Lincoln in 1985 as an energy management consultant, and since then in a variety of capacities, including as an engineering technician, operations supervisor and in 2017 was named head of engineering and operations.
