Stebbings will manage the transition to the organization’s next leader
October 24, 2023
(VANCOUVER, WA) - - Northwest RiverPartners announced Heather Stebbings as interim executive director starting November 15th. Stebbings will overlap with outgoing Executive Director Kurt Miller to ensure a smooth transition. Miller recently accepted a role leading the Northwest Public Power Association.
Most recently, Stebbings served as PNWA’s executive director. Heather has worked closely with Northwest RiverPartners in the ongoing federal mediation process over hydropower operations. She is a strong advocate for preserving the lower Snake River dams for the many communities that depend on the dams for clean, affordable energy, transportation, and irrigation.
“We couldn’t be more excited about Heather joining Northwest RiverPartners as its interim executive director,” said Rich Wallen, Northwest RiverPartners’ Board Chair. “Heather is an experienced and respected leader. Her familiarity with the region’s hydropower infrastructure benefits will provide important continuity to RiverPartners during this transition period.”
Stebbings has over 15 years of advocacy and public policy experience in support of the Northwest’s hydropower infrastructure, including 13 years directing communications and government relations for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association.
“Northwest RiverPartners is a critical voice in the region to preserve clean, affordable hydroelectricity. The work to educate the public and policymakers has been incredibly effective under Kurt’s leadership. I’m excited about the opportunity to have a hand in making sure those efforts continue,” said Stebbings.
The Northwest RiverPartners board will form a hiring
committee to recruit and hire a permanent executive director to continue advocating
for hydropower on behalf of millions of ratepayers.
