Northwest Public Power Association recognizes Congdon’s many contributions over 18 years as PUD Commissioner
information and photo released
Former Chelan PUD Commissioner Ann Congdon has been honored with the Life Member Award from the Northwest Public Power Association for her many contributions to public power. She completed her final term in 2022, after 18 years on the PUD’s Board of Commissioners.
“Ann has embodied public power values and local control, supporting the idea that PUDs are created by the people to serve the people,” said Chelan PUD Board President Randy Smith.
During Congdon’s tenure, she worked alongside staff to reduce the utility’s debt by hundreds of millions of dollars and position the PUD as one of the most financially stable utilities in the United States. She joined other PUD commissioners in adopting the vision of providing the best value for the most people for the longest time.
Congdon reinforced the need for active community engagement, evidenced by her work on several PUD strategic plans, which promoted a highly inclusive community process that sought input from thousands of local customers. The plan guides critical decisions on utility infrastructure investments, safety, public power benefits, and economic development.
A former math/science teacher and alternative high school director, Congdon has been active in public power and the community, serving on the board of Energy Northwest and supporting local organizations such as the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. She also has supported Lake Chelan water quality issues, including an effort to reduce milfoil and Asian clams in one of the deepest lakes in the country.
The PUD Commission and staff congratulate Ann Congdon for this significant honor and her many years of service to the public power community.
