News Release Archive

Former CCAO Manager Exits Retirement to Return to Reclamation

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov

For Release: June 11, 2012

BOISE, Idaho - Regional Director Lorri Lee announced today that Gerald ("Jerry") Kelso is exiting retirement to return to the Bureau of Reclamation in his former position as Columbia-Cascades Area Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation.

"We are very fortunate to have Jerry Kelso back on the job. He brings with him a depth of institutional knowledge and experience that will serve us well as we move forward to build new partnerships on many diverse projects throughout the region," Lee said. "His excellent leadership skills will provide stability for our employees and those we serve."

Kelso, who retired in 2009, replaces Bill Gray who will retire this month after 40 years of federal service. He will assume his former position as CCAO manager on June 17.

Kelso started with Reclamation in 1972 at the Grand Coulee Project Office and held variety of positions in contracting and management where he has gained experience in managing operations, developing and implementing policy, and working with various interest groups and congressional representatives.

Prior to joining Reclamation's Pacific Northwest Region in 2004, he served as Assistant Regional Director in the Reclamation's Great Plains Region based in Billings, Mont. Once in the PN Region he oversaw the transition of the former Upper Columbia Area Office to its present CCAO configuration which is comprised of four field offices in Yakima, Wash.; Ephrata, Wash.; Hermiston, Ore.; and Bend, Ore. The office also includes additional operating facilities such as Elwha Restoration Project Office and Green Springs Powerplant.

Kelso's outstanding management skills and abilities were recognized in 2001 with the Department of the Interior's Superior Service Award. In 1972, he graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. degree in engineering.

Kelso and his wife, Anna, have successful careers with Reclamation and reside in the Yakima, Wash., area.

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