Jason Herbert will join Dairyland as Vice President, External Affairs on Feb. 5, 2024. Herbert comes to Dairyland with significant policy, regulatory and government affairs leadership experience in the energy industry. He is transitioning to Dairyland from his role as Senior Director, External Strategy at Energy Northwest (Richland, Wash.), where he previously served as Director, Government Affairs & Member Relations.

Prior to joining Energy Northwest, Herbert served as Legislative Director for Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04); Consultant, Energy & Environmental Policy for Bracewell, LLP; and leadership roles in the legislative arena.

As Vice President, External Affairs, Herbert will have oversight of internal and external communications, government relations, member services, economic development and grants. He will also serve as part of Dairyland’s Executive Team.

“Jason’s comprehensive knowledge of public policy, utility operations, communications, strategic resource planning and nonprofit management will be an asset for our cooperative system,” said Dairyland Executive Vice President and General Counsel Joyce Peppin. “Dairyland welcomes Jason’s proven, positive leadership in external and government relations engagement as we progress with the energy transition.”

Herbert has served on numerous regional and national utility and industry boards, including the CleanTech Alliance, Washington Public Utility Districts Association, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance advisory council and the Washington Clean Energy Summit.

Herbert holds a bachelor’s degree in history and economics from Trinity University (San Antonio, Tex.). He has served on the board of directors for the Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia and is a current board member and previous chair of the Tri-Cities Legislative Council. Herbert is also the cofounder of Clean Future Northwest, a nonprofit focused on clean energy advocacy and education.