New Electric Superintendent

City of Milton-Freewater

PO Box 6

Milton-Freewater, OR 97862

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2018

City Manager Linda Hall today announced the promotion of Mr. Mike Watkins to the position of City of Milton-Freewater Electric Superintendent. Mr. Watkins will begin his new position July 1st, following the retirement of the current Electric Superintendent Rick Rambo. Mr. Rambo retires following a 34 year career with Milton-Freewater’s electric utility, City Light and Power, the oldest municipal electric utility in the State of Oregon.

Mr. Watkins has been employed with the City since October of 1995 when he was hired as Journeyman Lineman for the electric department. In his 23 year career with the City of Milton Freewater he has worked not only within our electric department but most recently has been leading the Community Development Department, overseeing planning, economic development and community development projects.=

Mr. Watkins brings an unique skill set and prospective to the position, having served both on the line crew and also on the administrative side of the business---so he is familiar with the job inside and out!

Watkins, attended Santa Rosa Junior College and began his career in the natural gas utility in California. In addition to his training and experience as a journeyman lineman, he has professional certifications in Economic Development, and WWCC Leadership Programs. Mr. Watkins is very active in the Milton Freewater community, volunteering with several civic service clubs as well as serving as Chamber Board member for several terms.  

Mike’s experience, knowledge of our electric utility and strong community dedication made him an outstanding candidate for Electric Superintendent.

City Manager Hall is quoted as saying she is very confident in Mike’s abilities to lead the Electric Department and is excited about his appointment as the next leader of this vital and complex department. She believes he is up to the challenge of leading the department into the next progression of successful operations at a time when we are facing many substantial changes within this industry and our customer base.  

Mike, who resides in Milton Freewater, is the father of 3, Melissa, Michael and Matthew. In his spare time he enjoys riding his horses (Bear, Bob and Crystal!) in the great outdoors, and is a certified professional equine massage therapist.

Questions regarding this press release should be directed to Linda Hall, City Manager at (541) 938-8242 or linda.hall@milton-freewater-or.gov .