EWEB General Manager to Retire in 2026

EUGENE: After a decade at the helm of Oregon’s largest customer-owned electric utility, Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) General Manager Frank Lawson has announced his plans to retire in the spring of 2026.

Lawson, who joined EWEB in 2010 and was appointed general manager in 2016 following a nationwide search, brought with him 25 years of experience in engineering, operations, customer service, marketing, sales, and finance.

EWEB’s elected Board of Commissioners has already begun preparations for a leadership transition, launching another nationwide search to identify Lawson’s successor.

“This is one of the most important choices we will make as an elected Board,” said EWEB Board President John Barofsky. “Frank has done a stellar job leading the utility, and we are looking for someone who can build on his legacy and fulfill the Board’s vision.”

Lawson announced his retirement plans at a public meeting in early August, giving nearly two years’ notice to allow ample time for recruitment and onboarding. The new general manager will be tasked with developing and implementing strategic plans that keep the utility responsive to customers and employees while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, financial practices, and board policies.

The Board intends to move quickly. Candidate searches and screenings are scheduled for October and November, with a short list to be finalized by early December. Interviews are planned for December and January, and the final selection is targeted for February 2026. The timeline is designed to allow for overlap between Lawson and the incoming general manager to ensure a smooth transition.

EWEB Chief People Officer Diedre Williams encouraged qualified candidates to begin preparing their applications. “We’re looking for candidates with deep experience and a commitment to EWEB’s values,” she said. “This will be a careful selection process, and we want to make sure the next leader has time to step in seamlessly.”