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Treasurer Controller Announces Retirement
June 29, 2011
EPHRATA, Wash. - Citing concerns regarding potential changes to the state’s Public Employees’
Retirement System (PERS) gain sharing program, Treasurer/Controller Jim Bunch announced his
retirement from the utility. His last day will be Thursday, June 30.
On July 1, Joe Lukas, senior policy advisor, assumes the role of interim controller. General Manager
Tim Culbertson will recommend the board of commissioners appoint Mary Kunkle, treasury
operations manager and deputy treasurer, as interim treasurer during their July 6 meeting. The
treasury position reports directly to the board. An interim deputy treasurer will also be recommended.
Lukas is a 15 year Grant PUD employee with extensive background in strategic planning, past bond
issues and licensing matters. He served as the utility’s assistant general manager from 2004 to 2007
before assuming the role of senior policy advisor.
Kunkle has been with the utility for eight years and served as the utility’s treasury operations manager
since 2009. She has been the utility’s deputy treasurer since 2007.
“Those that worked closely with Jim will miss his financial expertise and fun loving nature,” said
General Manager Tim Culbertson. “We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
More information on the PERS gain sharing program can be found on the Department of Retirement
Services website.
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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942. Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle. A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rita Bjork
(509) 766-2530 / rbjork@gcpud.org
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