After nine years of running Turlock Irrigation District, General Manager Casey Hashimoto announced on Tuesday his intention to retire at the end of 2019.
Hashimoto was appointed as interim GM of TID in 2010, then took over officially in 2011 after a six-month, international search. His tenure includes many accomplishments, including keeping electric rates among the lowest in California, improving reliability in the energy system, implementing new technologies and enhancing the water delivery system, all while keeping customers happy.
Throughout his 34 total years working at TID, Hashimoto held numerous titles including 10 years as the Assistant General Manager, Electrical Engineering. Throughout his career he participated with various utility industry organizations like the California Municipal Utilities Association, Northwest Public Power Pool, Association of California Water Agencies, and American Public Power Association, among others. Hashimoto has also overseen key interactions with the State Water Resources Control Board and the relicensing of Don Pedro.
“Casey has provided TID impeccable leadership in his nine years as general manager,” TID Board President Charlie Fernandes said. “He navigated the District through difficult transitions in both the water and energy industries, all while keeping a watchful eye on the bottom line. He will greatly be missed.”
A Central Valley native, Hashimoto graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and is a licensed professional electrical engineer in the state of California. He first gained employment at TID in April 1985 as an electrical engineering technician, doing hand-drawn and CAD distribution system maps. He worked his way through the TID ranks over the years, becoming a supervising engineer in 1995 and the Assistant General Manager of Electrical Engineering in 2001.
After being appointed as interim GM in 2010, Hashimoto emerged victorious from a competitive pool of first 59 applicants, which was eventually narrowed down to six. After an $18,500 search, the then-TID Board realized the best man for the job was already in front of them.
Following Hashimoto’s retirement announcement, the TID Board of Directors is initiating the process of finding a successor.
