Clark Public Utilities Names New Leadership, Treasurer and Director of Finance, and Director of Communications and Employee Resources
Clark Public Utilities recently announced the promotion of two departmental directors.
Prior to 2018 year-end, General Manager and CEO Wayne Nelson appointed Melissa Ankeny as Treasurer and Director of Finance, following four months as Interim Director. Effective January 1, he also named Lena Wittler Director of Communications and Employee Resources, an addition of responsibilities to her prior role leading Communications.
“I am pleased to announce these changes to our leadership team,” Nelson said. “I have every confidence that under Melissa and Lena’s leadership the utility will continue to be financially sound, strategic and committed to both our employees and our customers. Teams under their leadership have consistently delivered great work and further solidified the trust our customers have in this utility.”
As Treasurer and Director of Finance, Ankeny oversees all financial activities of the utility including utility-wide budgeting, debt financing, auditing, annual reporting and strategic financial planning. She is also responsible for all Accounting, Payroll, Office Services, and Field Services activities.
Ankeny served as Interim Treasurer and Director of Finance since July 1 2018, stepping into the role after Rick Dyer’s retirement on June 30.
Ankeny is a Certified Public Accountant and a 16-year veteran of the utility’s Finance Department in her prior role of Accounting Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton.
Wittler has been with the utility for 20 years, serving in both the Human Resources and Finance departments before joining the utility’s Communications Department in 2004. She assumed the role of director in 2015.
As Director of Communications and Employee Resources, Wittler will direct and oversee the utility’s Human Resources and Claims departments, employee retirement and health benefits and health incentive programs. This is in addition to her continued leadership and oversight of the utility’s communications programs, public and government affairs initiatives and long-term, data-driven direction for utility brand and reputation management.
Wittler holds a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University, and an MBA from the University of Portland.
“We are an organization motivated most by customer satisfaction, which we strive to achieve through responsible delivery of reliable and affordable electric and water service. That doesn’t happen on accident,” Nelson said. “Both Melissa and Lena have played integral parts in operation of this utility as we’ve led the industry with awards and accolades, including 11 J.D. Power awards.”
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 195,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 35,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas.
More information is available week at 360-992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.