Kennewick, WA –The Kennewick Irrigation District (KID) is pleased to announce the hiring of Shane Leonard as its new District Manager. Leonard joined the KID team January 29th, 2024.
Leonard comes to KID from the Roosevelt Water Conservation District (RWCD) located in Mesa, Arizona, where he has served as general manager for the past decade. Leonard is also a fourth-generation irrigation professional, all of whom were employed at RWCD. Prior to becoming general manager, he held various positions, including outside crew, main pumping plant operator, associate manager, and special projects manager. Leonard is a graduate of Arizona State University and a dedicated and experienced leader.
While living in Arizona, Leonard was actively involved in his community. He has served on numerous government and volunteer committees and boards related to water resources, including city planning and zoning commissions, federal water advisory groups, and foster care review boards. He is also a former ER volunteer and NICU cuddler**.
“We are thrilled to have Shane Leonard join the KID team as our new District Manager,” said Gene Huffman, Board President for KID. “His extensive experience in irrigation management, his passion for water conservation, and his commitment to community service make him the ideal candidate to lead KID into the future.”
Leonard is excited to join the KID team and serve the Kennewick community. “I am honored to be selected as the new District Manager for KID,” said Leonard. “I look forward to working the community to ensure that we continue to provide reliable and affordable irrigation services while also protecting our precious water resources.”
KID Thanks Charles Freeman for His 14 Years of Service
KID would also like to thank Charles Freeman for his dedicated service as District Manager since November 2009. Freeman will be retiring from KID in July 2024 to spend more time with family.
During his time at KID, Freeman oversaw a number of significant accomplishments, including:
- The completion of the Title Transfer process, which transferred ownership of the irrigation system from the federal government to KID customers.
- The construction of the new KID administration building.
- The successful navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that KID customers continued to receive reliable irrigation services.
- The construction of the Red Mountain Project, which brought water to the many different wineries in Benton City, WA.
- The acceleration of KID’s Capital Upgrade and Improvement Program.
- The creation of the Public Relations Department and the employee association club.
- The implementation of the first-edition homeowner’s magazine for KID customers, including the updates in edition 2 and soon to be released edition 3.
- Led KID through a severe drought in 2015.
- Instrumental in beginning the process of constructing an on district, 12,000 acre-foot reservoir to mitigate future droughts.
- And so much more.
“KID is grateful for Charles’ leadership and service over the past 14 years,” said Gene Huffman, “He has made significant contributions to our district, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.
** What is a NICU cuddler? A NICU cuddler cares for medically fragile babies including doing laundry, changing diapers and yes, snuggling.
Pictured left to right: David McKenzie – Director, Charles Freeman – District Manager, Gene Huffman – Board President, Shane Leonard – District Manager