The Trinity Public Utilities District Board of Directors, at its May 12, 2026 meeting, appointed Sarah Sheetz to replace long time General Manager Paul Hauser effective June 22, 2026.
Hauser, who has served as the General Manager since September of 2011, announced in May that he will be returning to his home state to serve as the Chief Operations Officer for ElectriCities of North Carolina.
Sheetz, who started at California-based Trinity PUD in October of 2018, was appointed as the Assistant General Manager in June of 2024.
Notably, Sheetz completed the National Rural Electric Association’s Rising Stars Program in 2020, and the Northwest Public Power Association’s Future Utility Executive Leadership Program in 2024.
“Sarah demonstrates the leadership and commitment to lead Trinity PUD and has proven her dedication over the last 8 years,” said Hauser.
Sheetz has advocated at both the State and Federal Level to maintain the District’s unique access to low-cost hydropower and has been instrumental in securing more than $10,000,000 in grant funding for the District.
Sheetz, a native of Trinity County, graduated from Trinity High School and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Davis.
She began her career in 1995 as an Estimator for Dome Construction Corporation, a commercial construction company in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Upon returning to the North State, Sheetz worked part time for several years while raising three boys and began her career in public service at the City of Redding in 2011, where she held positions in Community Services Administration, Airports Administration and eventually served as the Assistant City Clerk.
“Sarah’s deep understanding of Trinity County issues and her dedication to maintaining the benefits promised to its residents with the Trinity River Division Act is a significant asset to our customers as we look toward the future,” said Mike Rourke, President of Trinity Public Utilities District Board of Directors. “Her strong track record of improving reliability, maintaining affordability, while always thinking about the impact to customers is well aligned with our values. We look forward to Sarah steering the organization and welcoming her to the new role.”
As General Manager, Sheetz will be responsible for managing all aspects of utility operations including transmission and distribution operations matters, internal staff, power supply, regulatory compliance and external agency involvement.
“I’m honored and excited to accept this opportunity in my hometown,” said Sheetz. “The electric utility industry faces constant changes but ensuring that Trinity PUD continues to support its communities with safe, reliable and affordable power; while maintaining our excellent and dedicated workforce will always be top priorities.”
