Board of Trustees
A board of five trustees is elected by the members of Parkland Light & Water Co. for overall direction of the business and affairs of the company. These trustees are members of the company and live within the service area. Trustees are compensated for their services.
Each trustee is elected to serve a five-year term, with one term coming due at each annual meeting. Annual meetings are held the fourth Tuesday in March and the trustee is elected by a simple majority of members present and voting at that meeting.
The trustees appoint a general manager and meet with him (her) monthly throughout the year to receive reports on the company's business, to vote on budget and expenditures, as well as to set rates for water and power and to join into contracts with power providers. The trustees manage the billing and collection policies of the company and appoints a CPA to audit the company's records. The board also takes part in the company labor union negotiations for a contract to serve PL&WCo when each contract comes due.
Trustees are encouraged to attend classes sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the Northwest Public Power Association that are designed specifically for trustees of electric companies. They also attend meetings of the local organization of Pierce County Cooperative Power Association and the Regional Water Association. These classes and meetings keep your board informed of the most recent governing issues for the company as well as educate your board about the industry.
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The Current Members of the Board of Trustees are:
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| Gary Hauenstein was appointed to the Board August 2001 and voted in March 26, 2002. Gary has had an enriching career in firefighting, serving 30 years at Parkland's Station #6 before retiring as Fire Chief. Gary's professional knowledge of Parkland's water system and community involvement makes Gary a great asset to the Board. |
President
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| Robert "Clint" Richardson was voted to the Board March 26, 1991. Clint moved to Parkland in 1940. After serving in World War II, Clint came home with the realization that education could make a tremendous difference in life. He earned his BA, BE and MA degrees from Pacific Lutheran University. He attended the University of Oregon, the University of Washington and the University of Idaho where he earned his doctorate in education, with a major in administration. Clint's administrative background has allowed him to serve in numerous educational- related positions. Since his retirement from education, he has served as a Pierce County Councilman and Chairperson for the Washington State Higher Education Personnel Board. He has served on numerous community boards and committees. Clint brings this vast experience to the PL&W board. |
Vice-President
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| Gary Grazzini was appointed to the Board on October 25, 2007 and in March 2009 was elected to the Board. Gary has a well-known history of the Parkland area and community, having been a resident his entire life. He attended Western Washington University and has achieved a successful career in sales for the past 25 years. With his professional experience and knowledge in business and the local community, Gary brings a positive position to the PL&WCo board. |
Secretary
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| Elaine Walter was voted onto the Board March 23, 1993. She has lived in the Parkland area all her life. Elaine received her bachelor's degree in business education at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) and her master's in business at Oregon State University. Elaine has taught for 30 years at Fife High School. She is the first woman to be a PL&WCo Trustee. With her establishment in the community and educational background, Elaine brings a wealth of ideas and information to the Board. |
Treasurer
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| Chuck Nelson was voted onto the Board March 27, 1990. He moved to the Parkland service area in 1976. Chuck has been involved in teaching and educational administration his entire career. He was appointed Registrar at Pacific Lutheran University in 1967 and remained in that post until January of 1998. At that time he became the Director of International Admissions and he continues to serve PLU until retiring in 2004. He now serves as a consultant in Norway and the Puget Sound area. |
Public Relations
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