At the 90th Annual Conference of the Washington Public Utility Districts Association, held in Poulsbo on April 30, 2026, Mason County PUD No. 1’s Katie Arnold was presented with the prestigious William T. Elmgren Public Service Award in recognition of her exceptional service to the Mason County community.
Arnold serves as PUD 1’s Treasurer and Director of Business Services, where she plays a critical leadership role in the PUD’s financial and operational success.
In their nomination letter, the PUD 1 Board of Commissioners wrote, “Katie’s professional and technical ability is exceptional, but it is her commitment to improving the social and economic well-being of Mason County residents through her extensive community service that truly sets her apart and embodies the spirit of public service championed by William T. Elmgren.”
Arnold’s dedication to community service spans numerous local organizations and causes. Her volunteer efforts include work with the Mason Health Foundation, Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund, KristmasTown Kiwanis, Mason County Day of Champions, Shelton High School Football Boosters, and the Christmas Angel Tree program for Crossroads Housing. She is also a founding member of the IMPACT Mason County 100 Women Who Care initiative, helping drive meaningful local philanthropy.
During the awards luncheon, a tribute video highlighted Arnold’s compassion, reliability, and unwavering commitment to serving others, qualities that extend well beyond her professional responsibilities and busy family life. Arnold has been with Mason PUD 1 since 2016. She and her husband, Richard, raised their three sons in Shelton, where they remain deeply connected to the community she actively serves.