McDonald to lead communications for Energy Keepers

Energy Keepers Inc., has hired Robert McDonald as communications director to focus on media relations, public relations and wider communication efforts regarding operations of the SKQ Dam on Flathead Lake.

Energry Keepers is an entity of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Dam operations have face heightened scrutiny since last summer when low stream flows led Flathead Lake's level to dip nearly 2 feet below full pool.

McDonald had worked as the communications director for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for 15 years beginning in 2006. Most recently, he had worked in the CSKT Natural Resources Division of Engineering and Water Resources overseeing compact implementation.

“The last two summers required higher levels of responsiveness to community questions regarding snow pack and water levels. To better serve everyone, we’ve expanded our capacity to respond to emerging questions,” said Brian Lipscome, CEO of Energy Keepers. “Robert’s family is from here and as a former journalist and fifteen year communications specialist, we’re glad to have him as part of the EKI team.”

McDonald had worked as a daily newspaper reporter for 15 years before returning to the Mission Valley as CSKT’s spokesman. Before coming to Pablo, he had worked at The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Wash., and at newspapers in Indiana and Western Washington. He graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in journalism in 1991.

He lives in the Mission Valley with his wife and his youngest son. His oldest son is finishing his third year in college.