Get to Know Your Local PSE Team
Your Puget Sound Energy Skagit County team is ready, able and happy to get to know you and assist with any of your energy-related needs.
CJ Conner
Energy Advisor
A member of our team since 2011
PSE 24-hour Customer Service | 1-888-225-5773
cj.conner@pse.com | 360-647-6549
Background and notable achievements
A native Washingtonian, CJ takes great pride in his long record of excellent customer service. His lifelong passion for conservation translates to the work he does everyday helping PSE customers make their homes and businesses more energy efficient.
CJ has a degree in urban planning and environmental policy and considers himself an outdoorsman. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, fishing and biking.
- CJ splurges on Seattle Mariner’s game tickets – Go M’s!
- CJ’s energy-saving tip: "Unplug your cell phone and laptop chargers when not in use. They still use power as long as they are plugged into an outlet!"
Cory Ertel
Community Service Manager
A member of our team since 2011
PSE 24-hour Customer Service | 1-888-225-5773
cory.ertel@pse.com | 360-766-5467
Background and notable achievements
With degrees in Political Science and History from Central Washington University (where he graduated cum laude) Cory has been actively involved in business and community affairs in Skagit County. At PSE, Cory works with various business organizations, and community and civic groups throughout Skagit County to help meet customer and community electric needs.
Cory enjoys spending time with family and friends, vacationing anywhere with a sunny beach, camping and hiking and as Cory will tell you, “exploring the beautiful playground that is Skagit County.”
- Cory splurges on sporting events, eating out, and camping supplies.
- Cory’s energy-saving tip: "Turn off the lights when you leave a room and open your blinds and curtains to utilize natural light. This is a free and easy way to save money!"
Brian Gentry
Local Government and Community Relations Manager
A member of our team since 2011
PSE 24-hour Customer Service | 1-888-225-5773
brian.gentry@pse.com | 360-766-5497
Background and notable achievements
Brian joined PSE in fall 2011, bringing to the utility deep connections with the business, government and community-service sectors of Whatcom and Skagit counties. A lifelong resident of northwest Washington, Brian previously worked in the local real estate and construction industries. That experience, together with his involvement in local civic and charitable organizations, taught him that connecting with people and finding collaborative ways to pursue shared goals are key to achieving successful results.
Service to the community is an important part of Brian’s life. He has served many community and nonprofit organizations, including Leadership Skagit, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Skagit-Island Counties Builders Association.
- When not working, Brian enjoys being with his family, reading, running, spending time at the beach and doing just about anything on the water.
- Brian’s energy-saving tip: "Try using natural light more often. Think about rooms you go into during the day. Many rooms actually have plenty of natural light for general purposes and you may not need to turn on lights as often as you actually do."
Pinky Vargas
Efficiency Outreach Manager
A member of our team since 2010
PSE 24-hour Customer Service | 1-888-225-5773
pinky.vargas@pse.com | 360-647-6554
Background and notable achievements
With a strong background in Energy Efficiency and conservation, Pinky serves as the Efficiency Outreach Manager for the Northern Puget Sound region. She works with communities in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish and Island counties to provide energy efficiency education and information about PSE’s programs, rebates and grants.
Raised in Northern Canada as a natural conservationist, Pinky brings that passion to all her activities at PSE. Pinky is an active volunteer in the Northwest community and resides in Bellingham. She believes that living by example is the best way to influence conservation.
- Pinky splurges on travel, shoes, good food and art.
- Pinky's energy saving tip: "Pay attention to your every day behaviors. Little changes, from turning off your lights and computers to using more efficient appliances, add up and make a world of difference. Be an example for others to follow."