Joy Liechty joins PUD as Assistant General Manager
Joy Liechty has joined Jefferson County PUD as its new Assistant General Manager (AGM).
She began the role on December 18th after a 9-month, nationwide search.
Liechty brings more than 25 years’ experience in the utility field throughout western Washington. She served in a variety of positions including wholesale contract administration, power trading and scheduling, and rates and analysis for Snohomish PUD and Puget Sound Energy, as well as Seattle City Light as Power Management Director.
“We are thrilled to have her on board,” said PUD General Manager, Kevin Streett. “We had an incredible pool of candidates for the AGM role and Joy just rose to the top.”
Jefferson County holds fond memories for Liechty.
“Growing up, I loved visiting Port Townsend, exploring the beaches, forests and forts in the area,” said Liechty. “It was my dad’s hometown, and my grandfather even owned a jewelry store on Water Street.” She notes she couldn’t have predicted her career path would eventually return here but is very glad it has.
Liechty is Jefferson PUD’s second AGM since taking over the local electric grid in 2013. Streett was the first. The AGM’s duties include strategic planning; assisting the general manager with administrative and special projects; working with the PUD board of commissioners; and engaging with local, regional, and state partners.
Liechty came to the PUD from Tacoma Power where she served as Energy Trading Manager. She oversaw the buying and selling of energy for 181,000 customers and 4 hydroelectric facilities operated by Tacoma Power. Liechty’s experience will aid JPUD in rate-setting discussions and long-term power contract negotiations with Bonneville Power Administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree from WSU and a master’s in public administration from Seattle University.
“I can see the innovation and collaboration that sparked the PUD electrical service a decade ago,” Liechty said, “and I look forward to continuing the PUD mission for our community.”