Renewable Northwest (RNW) has appointed Nicole Hughes its new executive director, succeeding Rachel Shimshak, the group’s longtime executive director.
Renewable Northwest is a regional nonprofit of businesses and public-interest groups promoting responsibly developed renewable resources throughout the Northwest. The group says Hughes brings more than 15 years of experience in renewable energy development, including project management, financing and strategic policy.
Hughes will officially take over the leadership of Renewable Northwest near the end of next month. Previously, she worked for AWS Truepower, HDR Inc., Element Power, RES America, Tetra Tech and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
“The board is very excited to have Nicole lead the Renewable Northwest team and help us continue the groundbreaking work of the past near-quarter century,” comments Nancy Hirsh, board chair of Renewable Northwest. “Nicole truly understands what it takes to successfully deliver renewable resources to meet the needs of customers and the region’s climate goals.”
“I am truly honored to be chosen to lead this incredibly important organization and excited for the challenge of expanding renewables in the region,” says Hughes.
Last year, Shimshak announced plans to leave the organization by this July. She recently received the Award for Exceptional Public Service from the BPA, which cited the growth of the renewables industry in the Northwest “under her watch.”
“The organization will be in good hands with Nicole,” says Shimshak. “Her deep knowledge of renewable resources and both the business and nonprofit elements of our membership position her well for leadership of the organization and its mission in the broader energy community.”
