An intensive training for high potential managers and supervisors through exposure to broad perspectives of the utility business, its interrelationships and successful leadership strategies. This program is designed by a utility-driven Curriculum Development Team, and directed by facilitators, and executive and alumni mentors. Program sessions are hosted by member utilities and topics are presented by executives, subject matter experts and formal instructors. The first four sessions focus on leadership development, industry perspectives, customer connections, communications and strategic planning. The program includes a capstone project which is delivered to industry leaders at the WEI Annual Meeting. Participants build a broad peer network that continues well into their future careers.
Participants are nominated by WEI members and selected through a formal application review process. Applicants make a commitment to attend and actively participate at each session, and should plan time for additional work between sessions. It is expected that students commit to completing “homework” assignments during evenings and off-hours with additional assignments required outside of the normal work day. Each group is assigned one executive and one alumni mentor who will support the group’s development throughout the program and guide them to a successful final project.
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Student Check In
Meet in the hotel lobby to pick up your name badge, and board the bus for the tour.
1:45PM - 4:30 PM
Industry Tour: Scott Morris Center for Innovation
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Networking Dinner in Small Groups
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Bus Ride: Hotel to Avista
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome + Executive Speaker
Speaker(s): Jason Thackston, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Clean Energy Officer, Avista Utilities
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Executive Speaker
Speaker(s): Wayne Manuel, CIO/CSO, Avista Corp.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Homework Discussion
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Networking Break
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Elevator Speeches
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Executive Panel
Moderator(s): Annette Brandon, Wholesale Marketing Manager, Avista Utilities
Panelist(s): Bryan Cox, VP Safety & Chief People Officer, Avista Corp., Josh DiLuciano, Vice President of Energy Delivery, Avista Utilities, Latisha Hill, Chief Customer Officer and VP, Community Affairs, Avista Utilities, Scott Kinney, Vice President, Energy Resources, Avista Utilities
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Bus Ride: Avista to Hotel
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Networking Reception
Sponsored by Burns & McDonnell.
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Bus Ride: Hotel to Avista
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Welcome to Day Two
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Capstone Work Time
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Capstone Collaboration
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Elevator Speeches
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Capstone Report Out
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Homework Preview + Close
Please contact the hotel directly at (509) 455-8888 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Western Energy Institute (WEI) to receive a special rate of $219 USD/night. WEI has also negotiated a reduced $10 destination fee on your behalf. This rate is guaranteed until March 26, 2024 or until the WEI room block is full.
Please note: The online booking portal may not reflect the reduced $10/night fee and may say it’s $20/night. The hotel is working to fix this issue.