On November 24, 2015, the LIHI family suddenly and unexpectedly lost our friend, colleague and Governing Board Chair Julie Keil, due to complications from a pulmonary embolism. An obituary was published in The Oregonian on January 5, 2016.

Julie worked at Portland General Electric from 1984 until 2014 where she managed the hydro licensing program. During that time she was the lead person responsible for the relicensing of the Pelton-Round Butte Project that included the construction of the Selective Water Withdrawal Tower and fish passage facility, which earned Julie and PGE the Edison Award.

Julie held leadership roles in both the Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA) and the National Hydropower Association (NHA). In 2003 she was the recipient of the Henwood Lifetime Achievement Award, the hydropower industry’s most prestigious individual achievement award for her industry contributions. Julie served as an Industry Adviser to LIHI for many years, and became a voting board member and Chair of the LIHI Governing Board after her retirement from PGE.

To continue her stellar work and with the support of her family, NWHA has established the JULIE A. KEIL WOMEN IN HYDRO SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Julie’s husband and daughters are very supportive of developing an ongoing scholarship program for women who plan to enter to the industry and who may have the opportunity to carry forward Julie’s commitment to hydroelectric power.

Visit the NWHA Scholarship page to learn more about Julie, the Scholarship and how to donate.