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BPA Administrator John Hairston Tapped for New Job at Eugene Water by Michael Kohn Bend Bulletin, February 5, 2026

The Eugene Water and Electric Board has selected Bonneville Power Administration Administrator and CEO John Hairston as its next general manager, though Hairston has not resigned from his federal post and has not yet accepted the job.

EWEB's elected Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to choose Hairston following a nationwide search, but the utility said it must still negotiate a salary package before extending a formal offer of employment.

According to a statement posted on EWEB's website, their search began in September when the current general manager, Frank Lawson, announced his retirement after more than a decade in the top leadership role at the utility.

Hairston has served as BPA administrator since January 2021 and began his career at the agency in 1991. BPA markets power from federally owned hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin and operates most of the Pacific Northwest's high-voltage transmission system.

EWEB, which serves Eugene and surrounding areas, recently signed a new wholesale power contract with BPA that supplies about 80% of its electricity.

For now, Hairston remains atop Bonneville Power, BPA spokesperson Kevin Wingert said in an interview Thursday.

"Until a final decision is made and a formal announcement, John Hairston remains fully engaged in his role as a BPA administrator and CEO," Wingert said.

Aaron Orlowski, a spokesperson for EWEB, was not immediately available to respond to questions about Hairston's selection.