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.
Heather Pennington was named interim superintendent of Tacoma Water in 2024. Heather’s experience includes over 30 years with Tacoma Water serving in several leadership roles. She holds degrees in environmental engineering and business and has served on multiple committees and boards of the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association.
Alan Matheson was named superintendent and COO of Tacoma Rail in 2024. Alan has spent 20 years serving Tacoma Rail, dedicating most of his professional life to Rail customers and the community. He has worked as a Trainmaster, Roadmaster and as an Assistant Superintendent. He served as a Pacific Region Board member for the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) from 2016 – 2023 and remains active in the national trade association. Prior to joining Tacoma Rail, Matheson was general manager for American Orient Express (AOE) Rail Services and was responsible for maintenance and refurbishment of vintage luxury railcars operating in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
LaTasha Wortham was appointed Tacoma Public Utilities’ Deputy Director of Customer Experience and External Affairs in 2023 after serving as Regional Relations Manager. She oversees customer experience, customer services, communications, and government and community relations in support of TPU’s water, rail, and power utilities serving the City of Tacoma and many neighboring communities in Pierce and King Counties. A Tacoma native, LaTasha is an accomplished public relations and government professional with over 20 years of experience in non-profit, Congressional, State, and local government. She has a BA in Law and Diversity from Western Washington University.
Alex Yoon was named Deputy Director/Chief Administrative Officer in 2023 to oversee the financial and operational administration of Tacoma Public Utilities including coordinating support of its water, rail, and power utilities. Alex has over 25 years of experience in financial and administrative services including Director of the Administrative Services division of the Seattle Public Library and the Chief Financial Officer of Public Health – Seattle and King County. Alex is a licensed Washington State CPA.
Charleen Jacobs was appointed Executive Operations and Governance Manager in 2023 to manage the offices of the Director of Utilities and the Public Utility Board. Prior to that she was executive assistant to the Director of Utilities. 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.
Jesse Hoisington started with Tacoma Public Utilities in 2012 in the Customer Service Department. She was recently appointed executive assistant to the Director of Utilities. Prior to joining TPU, Jesse managed the front office operations of a busy funeral home while simultaneously working as a Funeral Director apprentice. She also worked several years in the medical field.