The Intrepid Brotherhood

Public Power, Corruption and Whistleblowing

In The Intrepid Brotherhood, deep corruption threatened to ruin jobs and harm lives. Intimidation, distrust, and secrecy became the norm among the executive management group of Chelan County Public Utility District. Control and power can corrupt even the most ethical organization’s integrity—unless someone speaks up. Read The Intrepid Brotherhood now and pursue a principled foundation of honor for your organization.

The Intrepid Brotherhood

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About the Book

Deep corruption threatened to ruin jobs and harm lives. Intimidation, distrust, and secrecy became the norm among the executive management group of Chelan County Public Utility District.

Even in a small and semirural American government, corrupt leaders aren’t simply dishonest and immoral. They’re dangerous.

A board of directors should hold wrongdoers accountable, but sometimes that responsibility falls to righteous employees. A riveting and relevant memoir, The Intrepid Brotherhood details a classic story of enlightened leaders’ war against oppressive management when private misconduct evokes public resistance.

A multimillion-dollar project had the potential to transform the PUD’s business management. Instead, it ended in management conflict and Gordon’s discharge. His determination for justice revealed a culture of sinister practices and problems that would cost more than the company’s reputation. Despite economic upheaval, career interruption, and near criminal mistreatment, he and the whistleblowers of Chelan County PUD stood up for the professional values lost along the way.

Control and power can corrupt even the most ethical organization’s integrity—unless someone speaks up. Read The Intrepid Brotherhood now and pursue a principled foundation of honor for your organization.

“These real life “Game of Thrones” episodes are a cautionary tale for leaders and governing boards. An educational retelling of experiences, the author underscores that people-centric leaders who create healthy cultures and inspire others with inclusion, empathy, mutual accountability, compassion, and kindness rise while others fall.”

–Mark Bolz, Information Technology Professional, Former member of the IT staff at Chelan County PUD

“The Intrepid Brotherhood is a captivating, informing and a gripping story of courage and commitment to ensuring public trust. Gordon Graham’s relentless pursuit of the truth is inspiring and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for public accountability. Trust in the leadership of public agencies demands the highest levels of public accountability.”

–Gene Sharratt, Ph.D., Senior Research Advisor at the Center for Educational Effectiveness and Former Superintendent, North Central Educational Service District, Wenatchee, WA

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About the Author

Gordon Graham is a former information technology professional with over 30 years of experience in the electric utility industry. During his career, he was recognized by peers and industry trade associations as an authority on information technology management issues and was a sought-after speaker on information technology strategy and aligning technology with business.

In addition to his decades-long career, Gordon earned an AAS degree in computer science from Columbia Basin College, a BA in public administration from the University of Puget Sound, and an MBA in information technology management from City University, along with numerous certifications in IT and project management. He has served as the information technology section chair for the Northwest Public Power Association and as both information technology section chair and vice chair of the Business and Finance Committee for the American Public Power Association. Additionally, he has also served on curriculum committees for Wenatchee Valley College and NCW High School Skills Center.

Now retired, Mr. Graham lives in Oregon with his wife, where they enjoy gardening, boating, and traveling.