NWCPUD’s New Controller Brings Adventure To Finance
Whether soaring through California’s redwood canopy as a zip line guide or supporting the financial operations of Northern Wasco County Peoples Utility District (NWCPUD), Arin Guillory approaches life with an adventurous spirit and an eye toward what lies ahead.
“I love working on challenges that have long-term benefits,” says Arin, who recently joined NWCPUD as controller. This forward-thinking mindset has been a constant throughout Arin’s career journey, which began at Moss Adams, where she worked as an auditor reviewing financial statements across various industries, including utilities. That early exposure to the utility sector proved influential in shaping her career path.
Following her time at Moss Adams, Arin seized an opportunity to join Clatskanie PUD as a financial analyst in the power department. While there, she accomplished 2 significant milestones: earning her CPA license and advancing into the role of controller in the accounting and finance department.
Most recently, Arin brought her expertise to CBIZ ARC as an account consulting manager, further broadening her financial consulting experience.
The Northern California native’s return to public power feels like coming full circle.
“When the opportunity to rejoin the public power community came up, especially with a utility as forward-thinking as NWCPUD, I had to take it,” Arin says.
Her background in utility finance, combined with her CPA license and degree in accounting from Simpson University, makes her a valuable addition to NWCPUD’s finance team.
As controller, Arin works closely with the director of finance to implement the district’s financial strategies and objectives.
“My team works diligently to ensure timely and accurate financial processes with a high level of collaboration with all other departments,” Arin says.
Under the director’s guidance, she helps facilitate projects and create connections across departments to support the district’s long-term goals.
The excitement in Arin’s voice is evident when she discusses the future.
“We have more great things ahead, and it’s exciting to be a part of so much forward-looking change,” she says.
This enthusiasm for tackling challenges and implementing positive changes has become a hallmark of her contributions to NWCPUD.
This passion for exploration and new experiences extends well beyond the office. On Sundays, Arin often hikes with her husband, Graham Steele; and 2 puppies, creating their own Oregon adventures. When she’s not hitting the trails, she might be catching waves at the Oregon Coast or carving fresh powder on her snowboard.
As a member of a local social club, Arin is always ready to embrace new adventures, from discovering Portland’s latest restaurants to attending the week’s featured events. Between adventures, she prioritizes regular check-ins with family, maintaining those important connections that ground her.
“Oregon offers so much to experience, from waterfalls to desert landscapes, comedy shows to concerts, and even roller derbies,” Arin says. “The list goes on.”
Her appreciation for Oregon’s diverse offerings mirrors her approach to professional growth—always seeking new perspectives and opportunities to learn.
Before making Oregon her home, Arin’s adventurous spirit led her to work as a zipline tour guide with Sonoma Zipline Adventures in California. It’s this spirit of adventure and willingness to embrace new challenges that Arin brings to her role at NWCPUD.
The next time you think about utility finance, remember there’s more to it than spreadsheets and balance sheets. Sometimes, it takes someone with the courage to zip through treetops to help support a utility’s financial future—and that’s what Arin brings to Northern Wasco County PUD.
With her blend of financial expertise and adventurous outlook, Arin is helping the finance team ensure the PUD continues moving forward while maintaining the careful financial stewardship its community depends on.