Seattle City Light
Debra Smith is the CEO of Seattle City Light.
After the PUF team attended the American Public Power Association leadership summit in August, we were left wanting more. We interviewed several amazing leaders who spoke there at that summit in the October issue of PUF, but due to time constraints missed out on one important voice, Debra Smith, CEO of Seattle City Light.
PUF is fortunate, with the cooperation of APPA, to bring you Debra Smith here, and she has a lot to say about leading a utility in Seattle, a city in the national spotlight. Her advice on leadership is thoughtful and useful, leaving PUF with the realization that Seattle is indeed fortunate to have her leading the way in a most difficult year.
PUF's Steve Mitnick: What's the utility like that you are the GM and CEO of?
Debra Smith: City Light is an interesting and very cool utility. This is the third electric utility I've worked for. I got my start at the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), so I have some experience running a multi-line of business.
I was not the general manager, but I was there for seventeen years and when I left, was second in charge. The board brought in somebody from outside, who was great.