Grant PUD GM, CEO Kevin Nordt Steps Down Amid Battle With Prostate Cancer

December 9, 2021

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
December 9, 2021

Grant PUD General Manager and CEO Kevin Nordt stepped down on Dec. 6 to assume an important but less physically demanding role in helping assure a long-term power supply for Grant PUD customers, the PUD said on Dec. 2.

Nordt, 56, has undergone vigorous treatment for prostate cancer since he was diagnosed in June 2020, the Washington State PUD noted.

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Kevin Nordt (photo courtesy of Grant PUD)

Grant PUD Chief Operations Officer Rich Wallen will become acting general manager through the balance of the year until commissioners decide on a longer-term appointment.

“I have responded well to my treatments but I also have seen my capabilities diminish significantly. This is no surprise; just part of the deal,” Nordt said in a statement. “I have now come to the realization that my health no longer allows me to function in the role of general manager/CEO at the level our employees and the people of Grant County deserve. Rich Wallen is a skilled and wonderful fellow. I will do everything I can to make he and Grant PUD successful, going forward,” he said.

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Rich Wallen (photo courtesy of Grant PUD)

Nordt will take on the new executive role of chief resource officer, working with a team of employees to assure Grant PUD a long-term power supply. The move comes strategically, as Grant PUD evaluates new resources to meet future customer needs, the PUD noted.

Nordt began his career at Grant PUD in 2006 after years as a nuclear engineer, energy trader, analyst and power supply strategy manager for Portland General Electric and later as coordinator of Mid-Columbia River dam operations. He began at Grant PUD as director of power management and then as chief financial officer. Commissioners selected him as general manager in June 2016.