The mayor of Kennewick is now the district manager and board secretary for Kennewick Irrigation District.

The district's board selected Jason McShane, who has been a part of KID since 2005 and most recently served as acting district manager. He previously served for three and a half years as assistant district manager, and before that, he was KID’s engineering and operations manager.  

McShane replace Shane Leonard, who the board unanimously fired following a closed-door executive session on July 9. The board has not announced a reason for Leonard’s firing, which was without cause and makes him eligible for severance pay. 

In his new role, McShane will oversee KID’s day-to-day operations and work with the Board of Directors, employees, customers and regional partners to provide reliable irrigation service to community and strengthen KID’s infrastructure, advance its mission and protect its water resources.  

McShane is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering. He became a licensed professional engineer in 2010.  

Outside of KID and his role in city government, McShane is involved with the Benton Clean Air Authority Board, TRIDEC’s executive board and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also co-chairs the Lower Yakima River Subgroup.