A New Year: Kenneth Collins

It is a truism that none of us are irreplaceable.  

Still, it is with considerable sadness that I now write about Kevin Streett’s planned retirement on or around June 6th of this year. Kevin Streett was the first employee hired to manage the electrical division of Jefferson PUD when the community took possession of an aging and somewhat neglected infrastructure. While the Commissioners of the PUD were responsible for policy decisions, it fell to Kevin to hire the crew and make the critical operational decisions.  

Kevin came to Jefferson PUD with a wealth of technical knowledge and experience. Initially, he maintained tight control of the crew, which somewhat loosened over time. One of the changes I observed in the decade that we worked together was his development as a manager, becoming more flexible and empathetic.  

One example of this was his recognition of the need for training and development opportunities for PUD staff.  Another example was his gradual acceptance of Jefferson PUD getting into the broadband business after being initially resistant but then recognizing both the necessity and opportunity. However, what I will miss most about working with Kevin is his fundamental decency, honesty and humility.