Colleen Frei

Dedicated to Our Community’s Future and Resources

A vibrant community requires balanced leadership, deep respect for our natural resources, and a commitment to transparent, forward-thinking decisions.

I am running for Chelan PUD Commissioner to bring independent, professional leadership to the stewardship of our shared utility assets. I will use my business management and budget oversight experience to prioritize fiscal responsibility. My focus is to proactively meet growing grid demands while keeping our public power affordable and reliable, ensuring our region remains a resilient, thriving place for generations to come.

Professional Experience Rooted in Stewardship

For decades I practiced law in Wenatchee at Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn & Aylward (JDSA Law), specializing in agricultural, corporate, and water law. My legal career has been dedicated to finding practical, balanced solutions for our lands, our business community, and resource management. I know firsthand how to bring people together to achieve environmental and economic stability.

Strategic Governance & Budget Oversight:

As the former Managing Partner at JDSA Law, I managed complex operations, analyzed multi-million dollar budgets, and maintained strict financial discipline, transparency, and accountability. I will use this budget oversight experience to protect local ratepayers and support the long-term stability of our public utility.

Natural Resource & Agricultural Law:

My foundation in natural resources and water rights expertise is a direct asset for safeguarding our local resources. Having served as a strategic consultant for regional and statewide associations — including Washington Winegrowers Association, Washington Growers League, and Columbia Basin Development League — I have led diverse teams to deliver practical real-world resource solutions.

Building Partnerships & Resilience:

Whether leading Sustainable WA (the state’s first winegrape sustainability certification) or advising local irrigation districts, my focus has been on proactive governance. I believe in listening first, communicating clearly, and building long-term community resilience.

Direct Utility Collaboration:

I have a proven history of collaborating with regional utilities on critical initiatives. Throughout my career, I partnered with stakeholders to balance fisheries and ecosystem protection, expand broadband fiber connectivity to rural neighborhoods, and build trusted community relationships.

Educational Foundation

Juris Doctor (Law Degree) – University of Idaho College of Law

B.S. in Natural Resources Ecology Conservation – University of Idaho

Community Leadership & Service

Effective leadership requires a deep understanding of the unique fabric of our region. I bring decades of regional board leadership, volunteer service, and consensus-building to ensure the direction of our PUD remains transparent, collaborative, and accountable.

I have been privileged to volunteer my time, legal expertise, and board leadership to organizations that protect our land, strengthen our economy, and support local families across Chelan County.

  • Community Foundation of NCW: Board Member and Legal Advisor

    Chelan-Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services: Past President, Interim Executive Director, and Board Member (Recipient of the 2026 “Commitment to Community Award”)

    Chelan-Douglas Bar Association: Past President

  • Chelan-Douglas Land Trust: Member and Legal Advisor

    Sustainable WA: Program Lead creating consensus across agricultural sectors

    Member & Supporter of: Sustainable NCW; Washington Native Plant Society (Wenatchee Valley Chapter); Wenatchee Outdoors

  • Numerica Performing Arts Center: Past President, Board Member, and Emeritus Board Member

    Wenatchee Valley Follies Guild & Children’s Foundation: Executive Leadership

    Youth & Health Advocacy: Girls on the Run Coach; Sunrise Rotary Member; Wellness Place (NCW Cancer Heroes) Planning Committee

Supporting the Fabric of Our Community

Beyond active board leadership, my family and I are also proud supporters of local institutions that make our region a wonderful place to call home, including the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center, Music Theatre of Wenatchee, and St. Joseph Church & School.