Recognizing A Hydropower Champion

At the National Hydropower Association’s Clean Currents Conference in October, Mary Gail Sullivan, Director of Environmental & Lands Permitting & Compliance at NorthWestern Energy, received the Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award. The Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award is the hydropower industry’s highest honor, and, each year, the award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the hydropower industry.

“I’ve had a tremendous career, but even as I look forward to spending more time with my grandkids, I don’t plan on quitting my advocacy or support for hydropower,” Mary Gail said after the awards ceremony. “I plan to keep pushing for hydro to be the resource of choice to address the climate crisis.”

NorthWestern Energy Director of Environmental & Lands Permitting & Compliance Mary Gail Sullivan helped guide NorthWestern Energy’s purchase of 11 hydroelectric projects in Montana.

Born in Montana, Mary Gail has made a life for herself in the Treasure State, and it has served as the backdrop for her career, family and love of the environment. After graduating from the University of Montana with a degree in outdoor recreation, Mary Gail was hired by the Environmental Department at the Montana Power Company. She held various positions, including Director of Hydro Relicensing for nine hydroelectric projects on the Missouri and Madison rivers. It was in this role that Mary Gail fostered innovative stewardship solutions for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of the river along its 525-mile route.

“I like the water – it’s the original renewable, and it’s reusable,” she said. “Our projects use the same drop of water over and over again. I’ve always been drawn to water, and I’ve always had opportunities to work with it in my career. I deeply care about the environment, and I want to leave the world a bit better for the next generation. I believe hydropower is part of the climate change solution.”

NorthWestern Energy’s Mary Gail Sullivan receives the hydropower industry’s highest honor, the Henwood Award.

Demonstrating impressive leadership skills during her tenure as the Director of Hydro Relicensing, Mary Gail eventually became the Manager of NorthWestern Energy’s Environmental Department. She helped guide NorthWestern’s purchase of 11 hydroelectric projects in Montana.

For every hurdle she faced, Mary Gail overcame challenges with poise, clear communication and an infectious attitude that radiated positivity. Through her hard work and determination, Mary Gail helped educate and convince the Montana Public Service Commission of NorthWestern Energy’s responsibility and unparalleled stewardship of the river, emphasizing the importance of environmental compliance.

“Mary Gail is a friend, mentor and an inspiration,” said NorthWestern Energy CEO Bob Rowe. “Doing the right thing, in often complex and contentious settings, is always her North Star I value her ability to reach across generations to find shared values with people who sincerely disagree with us, and we with them.”

The talent Mary Gail demonstrated in the management and execution of the multiple agreements for the hydropower projects is the result of her fairness and honesty – qualities Mary Gail ascribes to the nature of all Montanans. These characteristics make her the ideal relationship manager for the important communication and trust needed to foster cooperation with Montana’s tribal nations, as well as the maintenance and protection of the state’s environmental resources – a priority for Montana residents.

Mary Gail is a hydropower champion, carrying the industry’s torch with a pragmatist’s mind and a reverence for understanding all sides. Having led as President of the Northwest Hydropower Association, board member of National Hydropower Association and key supporter of the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program, her enthusiasm for the industry is contagious.

Whether she is mentoring the next generation of hydro workers, spending time with her family or playing tennis, the passion she brings is unparalleled. Mary Gail’s character embodies that of Dr. Kenneth Henwood, and her dedication to hydropower is representative of the same industry legends who received the award prior.

About the Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award

The Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award is presented by NHA to an individual within the waterpower industry who exhibits:

• Dedication to hydropower as an energy technology.

• Persistence in the face of institutional obstacles.

• Appreciation and understanding of the relationships among project engineering, environment and economics.

• A strong commitment for fair dealing and plain speaking.

• Uncommon energy, enthusiasm and excitement as a leading force in the industry.