Grant PUD Executive and Leadership Team

John Mertlich, the General Manager & Chief Executive Officer at Grant PUD, directs the overarching strategic vision for power generation and fiber internet distribution. Overseeing the Priest Rapids Project, the General Manager & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between operational output and the energy requirements of Grant County residents. This leadership role involves constant coordination with the Board to maintain affordable service rates while driving long-term sustainability initiatives. By optimizing resource allocation across the Columbia River basin, John Mertlich directly impacts the economic growth of the region. The General Manager & Chief Executive Officer manages complex regulatory landscapes to guarantee reliable utility delivery. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Mertlich secures the financial health of the utility. This executive position demands constant focus on balancing public service mandates with modern infrastructure demands to support the diverse customer base from Electric City to Royal City.

Kevin Marshall, the Chief Operating Officer & Dam Safety Engineer at Grant PUD, directs the technical maintenance and daily functionality of the Priest Rapids Project. Overseeing dam safety protocols and power generation assets, the Chief Operating Officer & Dam Safety Engineer ensures compliance with rigorous engineering standards. This leadership role involves managing the physical infrastructure that provides electricity to businesses and residents throughout Grant County. By implementing advanced monitoring systems, Kevin Marshall directly impacts the reliability of regional power delivery. The Chief Operating Officer & Dam Safety Engineer coordinates with engineering teams to mitigate risks and optimize hydroelectric output. Through constant assessment of structural integrity, Marshall secures the safety of the Columbia River operations. This executive position requires deep technical expertise to balance the demands of energy production with environmental conservation requirements, ensuring the utility meets the evolving needs of the local community.

Tod Ayers, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Grant PUD, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies necessary for maintaining high-performance utility operations. Overseeing internal culture and labor relations, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the organization attracts skilled professionals capable of managing critical power infrastructure. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that emphasize safety and technical proficiency across all departments. By fostering an environment of professional growth, Tod Ayers directly impacts the operational efficiency of the utility. The Chief Human Resources Officer aligns personnel policies with the broader mission of delivering reliable energy and fiber services to the region. Through strategic workforce planning, Ayers supports the long-term sustainability goals of the district. This executive function remains vital for maintaining the specialized expertise required to operate complex hydroelectric projects and expanding regional fiber networks effectively.

Charles Meyer, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer at Grant PUD, architects the digital infrastructure and fiber internet expansion strategies for the district. Overseeing the modernization of utility systems, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer ensures robust connectivity for customers across the region. This leadership role involves integrating advanced network solutions to support both internal operations and external service delivery. By driving digital transformation, Charles Meyer directly impacts the accessibility of high-speed internet in Grant County. The Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer manages cybersecurity protocols to protect critical utility data and infrastructure. Through strategic investment in emerging technologies, Meyer enhances the overall service quality provided to the community. This executive function remains essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the utility sector, ensuring that technological advancements align with the core mission of providing reliable and affordable services.

Julie Pyper, the Chief Administrative Officer at Grant PUD, directs the internal business processes and corporate governance frameworks that support utility operations. Overseeing administrative functions and organizational policy, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures seamless coordination between departments to maintain operational excellence. This leadership role involves managing the logistical support systems required to deliver power and fiber services effectively. By streamlining internal workflows, Julie Pyper directly impacts the efficiency of the entire organization. The Chief Administrative Officer facilitates communication across the executive team to ensure alignment with the strategic goals of the district. Through rigorous oversight of administrative compliance, Pyper secures the integrity of corporate operations. This executive position requires a focus on operational stability and process improvement, ensuring that the utility remains well-positioned to serve the diverse needs of the Grant County population while upholding high standards of public service.