Energy Northwest’s chief operating officer and chief nuclear officer Brad Sawatzke assumed the duties of interim CEO on March 31 following the departure of Mark Reddemann. Reddemann, who announced retirement plans last year, left the agency March 30 to become chief executive of Nawah Energy Co., based in the United Arab Emirates. Nawah is bringing on line four new nuclear reactors, the first nuclear energy facilities in the Middle East.

Sawatzke was named interim CEO by the EN Executive Board.

Sawatzke joined Energy Northwest as Vice President of Nuclear Generation/Chief Nuclear Officer on Dec. 6, 2010. In December of 2014 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nuclear Officer with responsibility for all Energy Northwest generating units.

Prior to joining Energy Northwest, Sawatzke served as Director of Site Operations at the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant with Xcel Energy. He worked for NSP/NMC/Xcel Energy for nearly 29 years. The majority of that time was spent at the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant where he held positions in Operations and Training prior to holding the Performance Assessment Manager, Maintenance Manager and Plant Manager positions.

Energy Northwest is a joint action agency serving the needs of public power by providing reliable, low-cost electricity while promoting public power activities in the region.  It has received numerous awards and recognition for its hiring of veterans, employee philanthropy and community service.  Energy Northwest was also recognized by the Association of Washington Business as the “2016 Employer of the Year” for its innovative job retention, creation and compensation plans that foster a thriving work environment.