On April 9, Seattle City Light welcomed Rob Santoff as its Interim General Manager and CEO.
Santoff joined City Light in 2020 and brings more than 30 years of experience in the electric utility industry, working his way up from field crew member, to director, to officer.
At City Light, he has held a number of leadership positions, including Director of Transmission & Distribution Operations, and Chief Operating Officer.
Dennis McLerran has stepped into the role of Deputy General Manager, bringing extensive environmental and intergovernmental expertise to the utility's leadership team.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson stated that McLerran's experience leading large, complex governmental organizations, engaging in external affairs, and shaping environmental policy will be a strong complement to Santoff's operational experience and to the other specialized skills and expertise of City Light’s broader leadership team.
The Mayor’s Office plans to begin a national search for a permanent general manager & CEO this fall. The process will include engagement with employees, City Light management, the City Council, labor, the environmental community, the City Light Review Panel, franchise cities, large industrial customers, and other stakeholders.
The Mayor’s Office anticipates that process will take six to nine months and expects to move a nominee forward for City Council confirmation in spring 2027.
