The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID) has selected Bobby Bischoff as its next Secretary-Manager.
The decision was made by the ECBID Board of Directors during the October 7 Board meeting. More than 30 candidates applied for the position, which was opened after longtime Secretary-Manager Craig Simpson announced his retirement earlier this year. Simpson joined the District in 1995 and assumed the top position in 2007.
Bischoff most recently served the District as the Assistant Manager of Operations and Maintenance. He joined the District in 2009 as a temporary canal maintenance worker and has served in a variety of roles throughout his career, including Ditchrider, Relief Rider, Assistant Watermaster, Othello Watermaster, Special Projects Administrator, Deputy Assistant Manager of Operations & Maintenance. Bischoff will fully assume the position on June 1, 2027.
“Having worked in several positions throughout the District, I’ve gained an understanding of our operations from different perspectives. My experience in the field and in management has helped me understand the challenges our employees face, the importance of reliable water delivery, and how decisions impact both our employees and landowners. I believe that experience has prepared me to take on this role. Given my history of serving in a number of roles, one of my priorities is employee development. I want to continue creating opportunities for employees to expand their knowledge of the District, strengthen their skills, and grow professionally. The District has a proven system that has served our landowners for many years. My vision is to build on the success of previous Secretary-Managers by maintaining a reliable water supply, continuing the progress being made on the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, and moving closer to the completion of the Columbia Basin Project,” explained Bischoff.
“Bobby has served the District well in each of the position’s he’s held, and I’m excited to see the District flourish under his leadership. This promotion is well-deserved,” explained Secretary-Manager Craig Simpson.
“Bobby stood out as the top candidate because he’s credible, trustworthy, and has the respect of the staff and Board. His deep experience in a variety of roles at the District will be a real asset to his ability to lead,” explained Board President Duaine Anderson.
Located in central Washington State, the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District is the largest district in the state, with authorization to irrigate 472,000 acres. Currently, 169,000 acres are developed and managed by 2,800 landowners within the federal Columbia Basin Project. Additionally, the District is involved in the development of 87,000 acres associated with OGWRP. The District provides a reliable supply of water that irrigates the cropland that produces food shipped domestically and internationally.