Truckee utility hires new general manager

The search has ended for a new general manager for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District.

On Monday, the utility’s board of directors met in special session to announce the selection of Concord resident Michael D. Holley as the district’s new general manager.

The board chose Holley to follow Peter Holzmeister, who retired in August after 23 years with the district.

“After extensive interviews, we are very pleased that Mr. Holley has accepted our offer,” board President Tim Taylor said in a prepared statement.

Holley has 24 years experience in utility management, most recently as director of operations and maintenance for the Contra Costa Water District in Concord. He holds professional registration in both mechanical and civil engineering, and has a bachelor’s of science degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Holley will serve as general manager starting Jan. 14, and one director on Monday said he welcomes Holley’s hiring.

“He understands the management side of things, and stood out as the most prepared and most informed,” Director board member Ron Hemig said Monday in a phone interview. “He’s also very open-minded to the environmental aspects of our business.”

The directors worked with Rocklin-based Ralph Anderson and Associates — a consulting firm that specializes in recruiting executives for publicly owned companies — to assist with finding a permanent replacement.

“It was a lengthy and very involved process,” Hemig said. “We believe he will throw out new ideas, challenge the board, and pick up the pace in a very changing world.”

— Jenny Goldsmith, Sierra Sun