Management Team

Jackie Flowers was appointed Tacoma Public Utilities Director in 2018. She has 30 years professional experience, with 15 of those managing public utilities, including hydropower generation, power supply, power transmission and distribution, energy efficiency, engineering, operations technology, fiber optic networks, and traffic signalization. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County, the Large Public Power Council and GridForward. She is also a member of the American Public Power Association CEO Climate Change Taskforce.

Chris Robinson became general manager and superintendent of Tacoma Power in 2015 after serving as manager of Power Management and assistant power section manager of Energy Resource Planning. Prior to Tacoma Public Utilities, Chris worked as a consultant with multiple electrical utilities. Chris has over 25 years of experience in the power industry and serves on multiple industry boards, including the Public Power Council, River Partners, and Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee.

Scott Dewhirst was named superintendent and COO of Tacoma Water in 2017. Scott’s experience includes 17 years at Newport News Waterworks including roles as the assistant director and the interim director. He holds degrees in both civil and environmental engineering and was the chair of the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association in 2016.

Dale King was named superintendent and COO of Tacoma Rail in 2008. Dale served previously as the director of rail services for Weyerhaeuser Co. and has also served with Burlington Northern Railroad. Dale is a certified member of the American Society of Transportation & Logistics, now a part of APICS.

Francine Artis started her career with Tacoma Public Utilities 35 years ago.  After 18 years in the Energy Conservation Office, she transitioned to Customer Services where she manages the utility assistance programs for income-eligible households.  She is currently serving as interim manager for the Customer Services Department.  Francine is on the advisory board for the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC).  She also serves on the review board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

Jim Sant was named deputy director for Administration in 2012. He is responsible for budgets and organizational performance, insurance and claims, records management and financial oversight. He is also serving as interim deputy director for Public Affairs and Communications, a position that oversees community and government relations, market development, economic development, marketing communications, and community and media services. Jim’s experience includes more than 10 years at Puget Sound Energy where he was the assistant treasurer and directed the utility’s financial planning and analysis, plus serving as regional director of finance at Verizon Wireless. Jim has more than 25 years of financial experience and is a member of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Charleen Jacobs was appointed executive assistant to the Director of Utilities and as manager of all Public Utility Board operations in 2009. She began at TPU in 2005 as executive assistant to the Power Superintendent.  Prior to coming to TPU, Charleen’s experience included service at the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and she was also executive assistant to the Mayor, Council and City Manager at the City of Lakewood.

Laurie Hardie was named Director of Safety in 2019. Laurie has 22 years of experience in the private industry that includes manufacturing, logistic operations and safety. Laurie previously worked for WestRock, Republic Services and FedEx. Laurie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology Management and is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals.