Reclamation selects new GCD power manager

The Bureau of Reclamation has appointed a new leader for Grand Coulee Dam.

Regional Director Lorri Lee, for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Pacific Northwest Region, announced Thursday that Coleman Smith is returning to the Pacific Northwest Region to serve as the Grand Coulee power manager.

Smith replaces Mark Jenson who now leads the Grand Coulee Power Office Project Management Team.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce Coleman’s return as the Grand Coulee Power Manager,” Lee said in a press release. “He has an in-depth understanding of our power program, and with previous experience as an area manager, he understands operations and the importance of sustaining good working relationships with our partners.”

Prior to accepting the power manager position, Smith served as the Wyoming Office area manager and then previously as the deputy manager, Power Operations and Maintenance, for the Pacific Northwest Region in Boise, Idaho.

In that position, Smith coordinated work for the regional power office with other federal agencies, including Bonneville Power Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Smith first joined Reclamation in 2007, serving as the operations, maintenance and technical services manager for Reclamation facilities in southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon in the Snake River Area Office.

“I'm excited to return to the Pacific Northwest Region,” said Smith, who is scheduled to take over in August. “I am honored to be selected as the power manager at Reclamation’s world class facility. I look forward to working with the professional staff at Grand Coulee Dam and the opportunities and challenges we will face together.”