EPHRATA - Starting today, Grant PUD Director of Power Management Kevin Nordt takes on more duties as the district's new chief financial officer.

At this time, he remains director of power management.

"We are fortunate to have the expertise and training required to fill this key position in our own back yard," commented Tim Culbertson, the district's general manager. "Kevin exemplifies the qualifications we need in our leadership moving into the future."

The CFO position is not new; rather, is it part of the former treasurer/controller's role, according to Sarah Morford, a district spokesperson.

Nordt is the district's controller and reports to Culbertson.

Mary Kunkle is the district's treasurer and is a commission appointee.It is expected the district will hire a new director of power management to handle day-to-day operations, Morford explained.

Nordt's new salary is still being determined.

He is a seven-year employee of the district with more than 20 years of experience in the Northwest energy industry.

He has a bachelor's degree in mathematical physics from St. John's University, a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Wisconsin and completed graduate work in computational finance at Oregon Graduate Institute.

Nordt is originally from New York.

"I am excited about where we are heading as a utility and look forward to building upon the momentum established by my co-workers," Nordt stated.