An experienced utility professional has joined Umatilla Electric Cooperative as vice president of Power Supply, a new position at the Hermiston-based cooperative.
Robert Cromwell, originally from Tucson, Ariz., will support the creation of UEC’s Power Supply team, help meet the power and transmission needs of the membership and help position UEC for the future.
Cromwell spent 14 years as an attorney practicing law, including six years as a utility consumer advocate with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and then with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office where he represented both the electric utility and the water, sewage and solid waste utility in transactional and litigation matters. In 2007 he joined Seattle City Light, where he has worked for the past 14 years.
During his time at Seattle City Light, Cromwell has directed work ranging from regional affairs, power and transmission contracts (including with the Bonneville Power Administration) and has acquired renewable resources to meet the needs of Seattle’s customers. He has also been deeply involved in regional solutions to problems faced by the Northwest power industry, working with industry partners and stakeholders across the West. His most recent role was as director of the Customer Energy Solutions team delivering energy efficiency, renewable resources and related programs to Seattle’s retail customers.
“We are excited to have Robert join Umatilla Electric. His experience with electric utilities and power supply will prove to be an asset to the organization,” said Robert Echenrode, UEC general manager and CEO. “Robert’s experience and skills will be utilized to support the needs of our membership.”
Cromwell holds a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctorate in law from the University of Arizona in Tucson. In his spare time, he loves to travel with his family and currently serves on his local school district’s Board of Directors.
Cromwell will begin his new role at UEC on Jan. 3, 2022.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join Umatilla Electric and look forward to supporting the cooperative’s membership in meeting their power supply and transmission needs, now and in the future,” he said.
