Event Details
Date & Time
Monday, Feb 23, 2026 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Event Link
Department
Cost
Free
About This Event
Pre-lecture reception begins at 4:30 p.m.
Lecture begins at 5 p.m.
From Energy Challenge to Community Resilience: Practical Innovations Shaping the Inland Northwest
Renouard Lecture and Keynote to Engineers Week
Across the country—and here in the Inland Northwest—our energy landscape is undergoing rapid change. Electrification, extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and affordability pressures are converging to create an urgent challenge that touches every household, campus, and business. This talk explores practical, near term innovations that enhance grid reliability, improve cost stability, and deliver real community benefits. We’ll look at how utilities, universities, manufacturers, and local partners are collaborating to modernize the grid; deploy flexible resources and distributed energy; strengthen wildfire and storm resilience; and expand workforce pathways that prepare students for impact. Along the way, we’ll demystify key technologies and policies, highlight lessons from regional pilots, and discuss how purpose built partnerships turn ideas into visible outcomes. Attendees will leave with a clear view of what’s possible now—and how engineers and engaged citizens can help accelerate a resilient, affordable energy future.
About the Speaker
Heather Rosentrater is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Avista Corp., making history as the first female CEO in the company’s 136-year legacy.
A champion of economic development, Heather Rosentrater believes that energy is foundational to vibrant communities and regional prosperity. She has consistently emphasized the importance of community partnerships, infrastructure investment, and innovation in propelling the region toward a more dynamic economic future. In her public addresses and internal communications, Heather highlights how Avista’s reliable, affordable, and clean energy supports critical sectors—from education and healthcare to construction and advanced manufacturing. She has led efforts to convene regional leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to refresh economic development strategies, foster collaboration, and unlock new opportunities for growth in Eastern Washington and beyond.
Under Heather’s leadership, Avista has prioritized initiatives that strengthen the grid, support infrastructure investments, and enable the adoption of new technologies. She is deeply involved in advancing clean energy solutions and ensuring that Avista’s work aligns with the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Heather’s approach to economic development is collaborative and forward-looking—she brings together stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to address challenges, share best practices, and drive sustainable progress.
Heather’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and community engagement. She serves as Board Chair of Alaska Electric Light and Power Company and holds board positions with the American Gas Association, Edison Electric Institute, Western Energy Institute, Washington Roundtable, Avista Foundation, and Second Harvest Inland Northwest.
Heather is a registered Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Gonzaga University.