As of September 11, 2023, Brian Gailey has been hired as the new Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Klamath Water Users Association. (Image: Craig Douglas)

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) is proud to announce Brian Gailey has joined the team as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

“Gailey is a perfect fit for the organization, and he will hit the ground running,” said Paul Simmons, KWUA Executive Director. “We conducted an extensive search, and there were great candidates, but we happily found our person at home.”

For the past sixteen years, Gailey has been an entrepreneur, owning and operating various businesses. Over the last six years, he has been the Owner and Publisher of Klamath Falls News.

Gailey began his career in journalism in 2007 as a photojournalist for the Pioneer Press. In that same year, he also launched his professional photography brand and was a manager in corporate marketing with a locally owned but nationally known real estate firm.

“I am thrilled to join the Klamath Water Users Association. I am eager to put my skills to work for the association,” stated Gailey. “Water issues are a compelling dynamic of the Klamath Basin. I look forward to conveying the stories and sharing the lives of our farming and ranching community while respecting and honoring all the history and traditions of the Klamath Basin.”

“Gailey’s resume is impressive,” added Simmons. “He brings years of marketing and public relations experience from the private and corporate world to KWUA. He is also a former board member with the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce and on the Klamath County Fair Board.”

Beyond his local news company, Gailey's work has been featured nationally with NBC Nightly News and ABC World News; regionally with The Seattle Times, The Oregonian, KATU, KOIN, KOMO, NWCN; and locally with KDRV, KTVL, KOBI, and Herald and News.

“I am a third-generation resident of the Klamath Basin, which has been my home for over four decades, stated Gailey. “Several of my family members live and work on the Klamath Project. As well as in the Upper Klamath Basin near Crater Lake. I was born here, raised my family here, and completed my education at both Henley High School and Oregon Tech.”

“I have been proud to call the Klamath Basin home over the last forty-plus years,” explained Gailey. “Like many in our community, I also have deep-rooted ties to the basin. I cherish all aspects of our community - our diverse landscapes, culture, history, potential, and future. Not only do I want to see the Klamath Basin succeed, I want to see the Basin thrive.”

Gailey began his role with KWUA on September 11, 2023.

EDITORS NOTE

I do realize that this may come as a shock to many of you. However, at the same time, I am sure some of you are not surprised at all. In my new role, it will be my responsibility to oversee all marketing and public relations regarding KWUA.

I have already, as Paul said, “…hit the ground running…”

I hope this new occupation will allow me to keep all the relationships I have built over the years throughout the Basin. If not, make them stronger in both the northern and southern sections of Klamath County, Modoc County, and eastern Siskiyou County.

So that you know, this new role with KWUA is not replacing my entrepreneurial mix in both news and photography. I will continue to operate all other avenues you have come to know and love, including Klamath Falls News and Brian Gailey Photography, among all the others.

I do have a couple of folks helping with KFN behind the scenes. You have seen the work of Garrett & Jessica Steensland with Basin Beat. I am proud of the Steensland’s work, and they will continue to produce content for that brand. Sales for the KFN Family of Bands is being handled by Marcus Silva (sales@klamathfallsnews.org).

Cheers to a harmonious balance of a thriving Klamath Basin community.

~Brian.