Victor Fuentes to Lead Franklin PUD as General Manager/CEO
Pasco, WA – Franklin PUD Commissioners finalized the appointment of Victor Fuentes as its new General Manager/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) today.
“We’re happy to make this official,” stated Roger Wright, Commission President. “This was a unanimous decision; as a Board, we all agreed he’s the right person for the General Manager/CEO position. We’ve seen his great work during his time at Franklin PUD and as the interim General Manager/CEO.” Wright continued, “After a thorough and comprehensive search, Fuentes emerged as the clear choice. We’re confident that Fuentes’ proven leadership will not only uphold Franklin PUD’s positive direction but will continue to move us toward to even greater achievements and successes in the future.”
While Mr. Fuentes will officially assume the role of General Manager/CEO on June 25, 2025 his leadership has been evident during his tenure as interim General Manager/CEO since February 1, 2025. Prior to this appointment Fuentes first held the position of Engineering Director and was promoted to Engineering and Operations Senior Director. Since joining Franklin PUD in 2021, Mr. Fuentes has been a vital member of the management team contributing to the organization’s success. His key achievements include the successful build-out of the critical Railroad Avenue Substation, strategically designed to serve the growing Reiman Industrial Park. Recognizing the importance of developing future talent, he launched a successful student intern program. His deep commitment to operational excellence is evident in his diligent work to ensure the continued reliability and resilience of Franklin PUD’s electrical infrastructure for its customers. Mr. Fuentes brings over a decade of comprehensive experience in the power industry, encompassing the oversight of engineering, metering, transformer, information technology, and dispatch departments, alongside a proven track record in numerous line extension and substation construction projects. In reaching this pivotal role, Mr. Fuentes is proud to represent his Hispanic heritage as the first individual from that community to serve as General Manager/CEO of Franklin PUD, a testament to his dedication and the organization’s commitment to the diverse community and leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University.
“I am truly honored and incredibly excited to officially step into the role of General Manager/CEO at Franklin PUD. The seamless transition I’ve experienced in the interim role speaks volumes about the strong and positive culture that thrives here. It’s a culture built on hard work, dedication, accountability, and trust – values that deeply resonate with me. I look forward to building on the strong base we have and I’m confident Franklin PUD can achieve even greater successes and reach new milestones for our customers.”
Victor Fuentes succeeds Scott Rhees who retired as of January 31, 2025, after 6 years of dedicated service to Franklin PUD.