Mertlich appointed Grant PUD General Manager

EPHRATA WA - Grant PUD Commission voted to appoint John Mertlich as the next General Manager and CEO position during their meeting on March 11.  

“John has served Grant PUD diligently in several capacities, most recently as our Chief Commercial Officer,” stated Commission President Terry Pyle. “We are confident in his ability to lead our organization forward while upholding our values and commitment to excellence.”  

Mertlich’s assignment as GM is effective March 12, 2025. He will be working alongside outgoing GM/CEO Rich Wallen to ensure a smooth transition of duties. Wallen is leaving to join Georgia-based Oglethorpe Power. His last day at Grant PUD will be March 27, 2025.

"First, I want to express appreciation to Rich Wallen for his service in the GM/CEO role,” said Mertlich. “For Grant PUD customers, the great world-class service that we provide will continue. Our mission continues to focus on delivering electric power and fiber-optic service safely, efficiently, and reliably to our customers.

“Personally, I have great gratitude for the trust and faith shown to me by the commission,” he added. “I’m honored to have been chosen. I feel the gravitas of the position as the steward of the PUD’s business. I am very excited for the challenges and opportunities in-front of us.”

Mertlich joined Grant PUD in 2019 as the senior manager of Financial Planning and Analysis. He focused on budgeting and expense forecasting. Since late 2023, he has assembled and led the Energy Supply Management business unit as the chief commercial officer, working to ensure Grant PUD has enough energy resources to meet Grant County's growing demand for electricity into the future.

He has worked in the utility sector for over 20 years. Before coming to Grant PUD, he spent 15 years at PacifiCorp, where his responsibilities included technical forecasting and budgeting, financial performance reporting and serving as an advisor across various financial planning activities including that utility’s Integrated Resource Plan and regulatory filings. His expertise includes business and economic analysis, project finance, and communicating complex business concepts around renewable energy, risk management, commodity markets and valuation.

Mertlich holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Economics and a master’s in Economics from Portland State University. He and his wife Viva live in Wenatchee with two of their three children. He is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

About Grant PUD: Established by local residents over 80 years ago, Grant PUD generates and delivers energy to millions of customers throughout the Pacific Northwest. For more information visit www.grantpud.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.