Recent Hires Bring Advanced Skills
Finance, Power Purchase, Business, Computer Science, Joint Use and Electrician are among their specialties
By Kathy Ursprung
Suzanne Haworth
Suzanne Haworth has been with the PUD since September 11, 2018. She is a Senior Financial Analyst, which involves reconciling bank statements, reviewing cash flow, preparing financial statements, approving purchases, expense coding and reviewing investments.
“I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting,” she says. “I have over 20 years of experience in all aspects of the accounting field.”
She has three children and five grandchildren. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.
Jennifer Kelly
Jennifer Kelly has been working with the PUD since October 10, 2018 as a Power Resources Specialist.
She worked for 25 years at PacifiCorp, an investor-owned utility in Portland.
“There, I worked in the hydroelectric project resources department and on the energy trading floor,” Jennifer says.
She has a bachelor’s of science degree in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan and a master’s of science in Fisheries from Penn State University.
“I have two very busy girls, ages 16 and 13,” she says.
Jennifer enjoys running, backpacking, traveling and watching her girls play sports.
Robert Casaubon
A Business Analyst in Information Technology (IT), Robert Casaubon has been with the PUD since December 28, 2018.
Among his many duties are evaluating business processes, anticipating and analyzing requirements, finding areas for improvement, and developing and implementing solutions. He must stay up-to-date on the latest process and IT advancements to automate and modernize systems. He must ensure that solutions meet business needs and requirements.
Robert has a bachelor’s of science degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering and a master’s of business in Information Technology with about 15 years combined industry professional experience.
He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and Certified Ethical Hacker.
“When I am not working, I am doing anything I can outside with my daughter, Lexi, 5,” he says. “I’ve recently taken up Micro Drone UAV flying.”
Tom McGowan
Tom McGowan has been a Program Manager — Joint Use and Regulatory Compliance with the PUD since March 11, 2019.
He plans and coordinates division- wide technical programs for all Joint Use activities for the PUD’s poles, conduits, and communication facilities.
He works closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Operations, Maintenance and Construction personnel in the development, revision and implementation of the Joint Use technical program. He also represents the utility in a variety of technical forums including local, state and federal Joint Use communications forums.
Tom has a master’s of Business Administration. He served the Oregon Joint Use Association as president, vice president and treasurer. He has presented at Joint Use conferences and has extensive leadership experiences in Joint Use, Operations, Finance and Organizational Development.
He has three daughters and three grandsons. He marked his 39th wedding anniversary in May.
“I have a small vineyard and sell pinot noir grapes to a winery in the Willamette Valley,” he says.
Tom enjoys doing yard work, landscaping and working in the vineyard.
Dan O’Connell
Financial Analyst Dan O’Connell does billing and accounts payable for Northern Wasco County PUD.
Dan started March 11, 2019. He has an associate’s degree in accounting and many years of experience in accounting functions.
He grew up in San Francisco. He is married, with no children.
“Just dogs,” he says.
Dan enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, church activities and watching the San Francisco 49ers.
“I am into ancestry and genealogy,” he says.
Doug Daniels
Substation Wireman Technician Doug Daniels started March 18, 2019 with the PUD.
He does substation maintenance, relay testing, metering, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and high-voltage switching.
“I attended Perry Technical Institute in 2001-2003, earning a two-year degree in Electrical Technology; Penn Foster in 2007-2009, earning a two-year degree in Advanced Metering; did a three-year apprenticeship as a Meterman; three years as an electrical generator operator; and 12 years experience as a Meter Relay/Substation Wireman.
“I’m married to Jody Daniels, a third-fourth grade teacher at Centerville School,” Doug says. “I have two boys, ages 22 and 19.”
When he’s not working, he likes to hunt, camp, work on his 1972 Camaro and do home improvement projects.
Nick Atchley
A Hydro Operator/Journeyman Electrician in Hydro, Nick Atchley has worked for the PUD since March 18, 2019.
He maintains the hydro plant, completes daily work schedules, provides all electrical needs and projects for the site.
“I started electrical work just after high school,” he says. “I went to Perry Tech and completed a two-year course in Electrical Technology. I worked in the wind generation field during construction and as a Turbine Technician for two years. I also worked in the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) providing electrical support for the Carty cogen plant in Boardman, Oregon.
He has a wife and four children. His daughter, Cherish, is also a PUD employee. His son, Haven, is 25. He also has a twin boy and girl, Oriona and Orion, both 13 and active in sports and school activities.
“I enjoy time with my family and going home every night,” he says. “I worked in Alaska for the past 13 years. It’s great to be home.
Nathaniel Brunoe
Hydro Operator Nathaniel Brunoe has worked for the PUD since March 18, 2019.
His job is to provide safe operation and maintenance of The Dalles fishway hydroelectric generator.
“I worked for PGE for 11 years providing mechanical maintenance on the Pelton Round Butte hydroelectric project,” Nathaniel says.
He has a son, and he and his fiancé are expecting their second child soon.
“I like to travel and experience the world,” he says. “I like to go hunting and teach my son his culture.”
