Meet Our February Employee of the Month

When you’re at a job for a long time, sometimes you can start to sense when things are a little off.

That’s the level of knowledge that Brian Parsley has. After working on hydro projects at the PUD for over 15 years, Brian has a familiarity with PUD systems that few possess. Rather than hoard that information, Brian seeks to share it with co-workers and goes out of his way to help however he can.

Brian, a Generation Constructor, is a vital part of his team and is looked to in times of crisis and confusion. Brian’s hard work, skills, leadership and commitment to safety have earned him the February Employee of the Month award.

“During Brian’s time at the PUD, he has demonstrated his leadership, intelligence, abilities and thoughtful, caring approach,” said Jason Zyskowski, Chief Energy Resources Officer. “Regardless of what is thrown his way, he will find the best possible solution – while prioritizing his co-workers’ safety. This honor is well deserved, and I am very thankful to have Brian at the PUD and part of the Generation Team.”

“I still look up to him, even though I’m his boss,” said Jessie Pittis, Generation Superintendent. “He has a very good ability to remember what needs to be remembered. He can walk into a building and feel the vibrations on the floor and know something’s wrong. Almost daily, we come in here and our plans get uprooted. Brian never falters. He’s like, ‘Nope, this is what our job is. Our job is to stay on top of this stuff.’ We’d be lost without him.”

Brian started at the PUD as a Garage Helper in 2004. Over the last 20 years, he has taken on various roles, showcasing his dedication and expertise. In May 2008, he was promoted to Maintenance Helper and moved to the Jackson Hydro project less than a year later.

He became a Hydro Construction Trainee in December 2009, and subsequently promoted to Hydroelectric Construction, then Generation Constructor. Brian served as Interim Superintendent from 2017 to 2020.

“Brian, and the culture he fosters, is a large reason why I love coming to work at the PUD, and Jackson specifically,” said Joshua Grisolia, Generation Constructor. “He always greets us with a smile and truly takes an interest in the success and well-being of all who are fortunate enough to work with him.”

Jessie recalled a time his truck got stuck in the snow in Snoqualmie, near the Hancock and Calligan Creek hydroelectric projects. It was the end of the workday, he was by himself and he called Brian looking for guidance – confident that a little teasing was coming.

“Tail between my legs, I called Brian once I got cell service and thought for sure he was going to give me a hard time,” Jessie said. “We don’t ever get the trucks stuck. But in the moment, it was more important to him to make sure I was all right. His immediate response was, ‘OK, is it dark yet? Do you have good boots on? Does your radio work?’

“Brian is so good at that. He’s so good at knowing what the priority is. For him in that moment, it was, ‘Is this person OK?’ Brian is a leader. That’s just what he is.”

While serving a temporary bid as a Foreman, Brian led several projects. He led repairs on Unit 1’s needle valves – something that had never been done before and was very difficult, logistically, to get to. It also occurred in mid-November, which happened to coincide with the bomb cyclone that wreaked havoc across Snohomish County.

He was also lead for pulling the intake gate at Culmback Dam. No one currently at the utility had ever done that. He handled everything that came with lifting the 30,000 pound, 15 feet tall concrete steel gate up 100 feet to perform the necessary tasks.

“Safety is a cornerstone of Brian’s leadership,” said Gabriel Thompson, Mechanical Constructor. “He prioritizes protocols and ensures all team members are trained and vigilant, creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up about safety concerns. His commitment to maintaining a safe working environment has undoubtedly contributed to our record of safety compliance.”

When not at work, Brian enjoys going on adventures with his wife, April, and children Amos and Clara. They enjoy fishing, camping, hiking and any kind of snow sports. Born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Brian loves being in the woods and exploring new places.

He also loves his team that he gets to work with at the PUD.

“I work with incredible people who would give you the shirt off their back,” Brian said. “I am seriously humbled to receive this. I work with a first-class group of people. They are more then just co-workers, they are my friends. And I hope they know that I always have their backs.