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BC Hydro is the electric utility that serves all of British Columbia, Canada, employing more than 5,000 people. In his time there, Smith worked as an engineer, project manager, customer service and design manager and did rotations through all the departments on a management training program.

Smith was hired Nov. 3, 1997, as the system engineer for KPUD, and has been instrumental in the design of Klickitat PUD's transmission and distribution systems, as well as substations. Smith is a registered professional engineer, and has been the engineering manager for the PUD since 2001.

He was a key player in the design phase of the White Creek Wind Project, and oversaw the HW Hill Landfill to Gas Energy Plant expansion, which is now in the final stages.

Smith's extensive knowledge of the PUD's operations and systems has made the transition to general manager easier. In his few months as the interim manager, Smith led the PUD through the completion of the bond sales, the 2010 budgeting process, as well as the 2008 audit.

Smith and his family are heavily involved in the community, including the Goldendale Swimming Pool and the Klickitat County Fair, plus youth soccer and basketball. In his spare time, Smith trains for sprint triathlons, relays, and the Columbia River cross-channel swim.