Erik Christeson, General Manager
Mr. Christeson holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University, a Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego and is a California licensed Professional Engineer. During his more than 20 year career, Mr. Christeson has worked extensively with regulators, state and local government agencies, both in the private and public sectors. Mr. Christeson also served as Planning Commissioner and on the Tri-County Technical Advisory Committee for Amador County from 2004-2006.
Rick Ansel, Assistant General Manager, Interim Fire Chief
Rick Ansel has been working for the District since 2006 and was with Kirkwood Mountain Resort for 6 years prior to that. He lives in Gardnerville with his wife Marcie.
Jessica Gillies, Clerk of the Board
Jessica Gillies started in October of 2015, was promoted to Clerk of the Board in April of 2017 and assists with customer service. Jessica previously worked for the KCA and brings to the District her knowledge of Kirkwood and our customers. She and her husband live in Woodfords and love skiing and hiking with their 3 dogs Goldi, Lottee, and Boomba.
Ed Benson, Propane Operator
Certifications: 4.2 Vapor Distribution System Installation, Fusion Instruction, Propane Dispenser Operator Training, Airgas SAFE
Ed has been a Kirkwood powerhouse operator since 2001. He is responsible for routine maintenance of the CAT and Volvo generators, and is also our main propane technician. Ed is a full-time Kirkwood resident who enjoys snowboarding and spending time with daughter Hazel.
Kathy Beyer, Accounts Receivable, Customer Service
Kathy Beyer works in the front office for the District where she mainly handles Account Receivables & Customer Service. Kathy has been working for the District since August 2011. Previously, Kathy was a Special Education Teacher in San Diego for 7 years and also worked for Kirkwood Mountain Resort in The Lodge for a year before she started to work for the District.
Derek Dornbrook – Superintendent Wastewater Treatment Plant
Certifications: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV, Water Distribution Operator Grade III, Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade II, Vector Control Technician Categories A and B
Derek Dornbrook began working in the District’s Water and Wastewater Plant in 2002. Derek grew up in western Montana and graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration. In 2010, Derek was promoted to Superintendent of the WWTP. Derek is an avid San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants fan and visits the Bay Area whenever he gets a chance.
Brandi Benson, Assistant Manager, Operations
Certifications: Airgas SAFE, Eas Y gen-3000 Genset and LS-5 Breaker Control Training, Fusion Instruction
Brandi is our Assistant Manager of Operations who joined the KMPUD in February of 2012. Brandi is a Mississippi native who moved to Kirkwood in 2005 and previously worked for Mountain Utilities. Brandi is a homeowner in Kirkwood and is mom to daughter Hazel and son Eli.
Kelly McBride, Assistant Manager, Administration
Kelly McBride has been working for the District since June 2012. She is responsible for monthly financials, monthly billing and office administration. Kelly has been living in Kirkwood since 2008. Prior to working for the District, Kelly worked for Kirkwood Mountain Resort for 4 years in the accounting department and before that was the Office Manager for a Diagnostic Medical Office in Florida for 7 years.
Steve Neff, Powerhouse Operator
Certifications: Airgas SAFE, Fusion Instruction, Propane Dispenser Operator Training
Steve Neff is a journeyman electrician who started working at the powerhouse in 2009. He is a day-shift powerhouse operator and Electric Distribution System Supervisor. Steve is an avid softball fan and enjoys coaching his daughter’s summer team in Gardnerville, NV.
Kimberly Norton, PHR, CMS – Human Resource Representative/Staff Accountant
Kimberly Norton joined the District in September of 2015 after working for the TRPA as a Senior Accountant for 7 years and at Pilot Brands as Accounting Supervisor for 5 years. Kimberly grew up in Walnut Creek, spent 10 years in San Jose and has lived in the Sierra’s since 1998.
Joe Pellerin, Snow Removal Supervisor
Joe Pellerin was raised in Livermore, California and came to Kirkwood in 1999 working in Parking and as a Mechanic for the Resort. Joe began working for the District in 2005 as the seasonal Snow Removal Supervisor and in 2012 became the Supervisor of Snow Removal and a year-round employee.
Amie Pfeiffer, Staff Accountant
Amie Pfeiffer has been working as an Administrative Assistant for the District since October 2011. Amie was promoted to Staff Accountant in Spring of 2015 and is responsible for Accounts Payable and various other duties including monthly meter reads, billing, and accounting. Amie comes from an extensive electrical background, performing administrative and warehouse work for a long established Bay Area commercial electrical contracting company for 10 years.
Drew Meteer, IT Representative, Customer Service
Drew Meteer was raised in Ohio and Florida and came to South Lake Tahoe in 1995. He has been in Kirkwood since 2006 and began working for the District in 2007 . Drew spends his time fishing, riding dirt bikes, playing disc golf, and snowboarding.
David Waddle, Field Operations Manager
David Waddle was raised in Coffeeville, Kansas, moved with his family to South Lake Tahoe in 1985 and began working in the Kirkwood area shortly thereafter. David has been with the District since 2002 where he worked in the Wastewater division and then ultimately became the District’s Snow Removal Manager. In July of 2012 David was promoted to Field Operations Manager.
Joseph Forrest, Electric/Propane Operator 1
Joe Forrest moved to Kirkwood from Wisconsin in 2000. Joe previously worked for Mountain Utilities for 2 years and also worked as a District Snow Removal Operator for 10 years. In his free time, Joe enjoys disc golf, snowboarding, fishing, and hiking.
Brandon Bruzzese, Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 2
Brandon was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, CA. He attended University of California Davis where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Biochemistry. He brings to the District 2 years of experience in an aerobic wastewater treatment system and seven years experience in analytical water testing. In his spare time Brandon enjoys skiing, playing golf and walking with his dog Bonnie.
Spencer Patterson, Field Operations, EMS Firefighter, Snow Removal
Certifications: Firefighter I
Spencer was born in Lancaster, CA and then later raised in Amador County. Spencer started working for Kirkwood Ski Resort during the 2013/14 winter season in the Snowmaking and Snow Removal Departments. Spencer then came to work for the District in 2014/15 for the Snow Removal Department and Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department. In April 2017, Spencer became a full time employee of the District as a Field Operator. Spencer’s hobbies include fishing, riding dirt bikes, and spending time with family and friends.
Updated October 12, 2018