Franklin PUD finds its new leader in house. He’s the 1st Latino to lead the utility

The Franklin PUD has picked a new chief executive officer and general manager, making the position permanent for the employee who has filled in temporarily in the role since February.

Victor Fuentes, joined the PUD in November 2021 after working at the Umatilla Electric Cooperative since 2018 and previously working as an engineer at the Hanford nuclear site.

He has a decade of experience in the power industry, including the oversight of engineering, metering, transformer, information technology and dispatch departments, plus a track record in numerous line extension and substation construction projects, according to the PUD.

“This was a unanimous decision,” said Roger Wright PUD commission president, after the commission’s meeting Tuesday. “... We’ve seen his great work during his time at Franklin PUD and as the interim general manager/CEO.”

Scott Rhees, who had served as general manager and CEO since 2019, retired at the end of January after six years with the PUD.

The PUD commission conducted a search to fill his position, but Fuentes emerged as the clear choice, Wright said.

“We’re confident that Fuentes’ proven leadership will not only uphold Franklin PUD’s positive direction but will continue to move us toward even greater achievements and successes in the future,” Wright said.

Fuentes was hired at the Franklin PUD as engineering manager and was promoted about a year later to engineering and operations senior director, according to his LinkedIn profile.

His key achievements at the PUD include the successful build-out of the critical Railroad Avenue Substation, strategically designed to serve the growing Reiman Industrial Park. He also launched a student intern program, recognizing the importance of developing talent for the PUD.

Fuentes is the first Hispanic to serve as the general manager and chief executive of Franklin PUD. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree from Washington State University.

Fuentes praised the positive culture of the Franklin PUD, which he was was “built on hard work, dedication, accountability and trust — values that resonated with me.”

The Franklin PUD has about 85 employees providing electrical service to about 29,500 customers in Pasco, Connell, Kahlotus and surrounding areas of Franklin County, a service area of 435 square miles.