Benton PUD Renames Operations Center in Honor of Steve Hunter

After more than four decades of dedicated service to Benton PUD and the communities it serves, the District has officially named its Operations Center in honor of Stephen B. Hunter, recognizing his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to public power. Approved by the Benton PUD Board of Commissioners through Resolution No. 2724, the naming reflects one of the District's highest recognitions. It honors a career that helped shape Benton PUD's engineering, operations, system reliability and long-term strategic direction while recognizing a leader known not only for his technical expertise, but also for his steady leadership, high standards and commitment to excellence.

Hunter joined Benton PUD in 1986 as an Engineering Intern and became the District's longest-serving employee before retiring as Assistant General Manager on June 30 of this year. Throughout his career, he helped lead major infrastructure investments, strengthen system reliability and advance initiatives that continue to benefit customers today. Just as importantly, he invested in the people around him, mentoring generations of employees and helping prepare Benton PUD for the future.

“Steve Hunter represents the very best of Benton PUD,” said General Manager Rick Dunn. “For 40 years, his technical expertise, integrity, humility and team-before-self approach helped define our culture and ensure reliable service for tens of thousands of customers. Naming the Operations Center in his honor is a fitting and lasting tribute to a career defined by service, excellence and an unwavering commitment to others.”​

The newly installed signage on the Stephen B. Hunter Operations Center serves as a permanent tribute to Hunter's remarkable career and the values he demonstrated throughout four decades of service. It stands as a lasting reminder of the leadership, professionalism and commitment that helped shape Benton PUD and will continue inspiring future generations of public power employees.