Janet Herrin was elected as an outside director by the 27-member board. Herrin will take the seat held by Sid Morrison​, who plans to retire in June after a 20-year role with the governing board.

Herrin brings more than 40 years of experience in public power, most recently as Bonneville Power Administration’s chief operating officer (2017-2019). She had a 35-year career with the Tennessee Valley Authority and retired in 2013 as executive vice president and chief administrative officer. Her four-year term with the executive board begins July 1. 

“We had two excellent final candidates,” said Curt Knapp, Energy Northwest Board of Directors president and Pend Oreille Public Utility District commissioner. “Janet’s extensive experience in public power, including the Northwest power market, will be a tremendous asset to the executive board.”

In October 2020, the executive board honored Morrison for his lifetime of service by renaming of Energy Northwest’s Capital Development Corporation Building as the Morrison Energy Center. The building in Richland is the center of advanced nuclear reactor development for the country. It also houses EN’s projects and services that will help meet Washington state’s clean-energy goals. 

“The impact of Sid’s service to Washington state and his support of public power and the advancement of clean energy cannot be overstated,” Energy Northwest CEO Brad Sawatzke said. “His leadership leaves a legacy of a top performing joint operating agency that we will build on as we continue to advance Energy Northwest as a leader in clean, affordable and dependable energy for the region.” 

Originally from the Yakima Valley, Morrison began his public service career in the state House of Representatives and Senate before being elected to Congress in 1980. The six-term congressman was a key member of the House energy and agriculture committees. In 1993, he was appointed as secretary of the state Department of Transportation. He retired from state service in 2001, the same year he was appointed to the Energy Northwest Executive Board. He has held the position of executive board chair since 2006.

The executive board has 11 members. The board of directors elects five positions from its own ranks and appoints three individuals from outside Energy Northwest. The remaining three positions are appointed by the governor of Washington. The executive board sets the policies that govern the operations of the organization.

About Energy Northwest                                                                                                     

Energy Northwest develops, owns and operates a diverse mix of electricity generating resources, including hydro, solar, battery storage and wind projects – and the Northwest’s only nuclear power facility. These projects provide carbon-free electricity at the cost of generation – enough clean, cost-effective and reliable energy to power more than a million homes each year. As an independent joint operating agency of Washington state, Energy Northwest comprises 27 public power member utilities from across the state serving more than 1.5 million customers. The agency continually explores new generation projects to meet its members’ needs. 

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