NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Jeremy Johnson
Media Relations- Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium
208.406.3191
[email protected]
Susie Barna
Project Coordinator- Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium
208.821.4844
[email protected]
June 24, 2025
Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium Announces New Executive Director
The Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC) is pleased to announce Christi Gilchrist as its new executive director. Gilchrist brings over two decades of experience aligning educational ecosystems with industry needs. She most recently served as the vice president of economic development at College of Western Idaho, where she transformed the institution’s Economic and Workforce Development division, growing program revenue, launching Idaho’s first work- based learning center and forging robust partnerships that bridged higher education with business and industry.
This appointment signals a new chapter for the consortium, as Gilchrist will lead the region’s unified effort to accelerate advanced energy innovation, cultivate next-generation talent, and support the economic infrastructure critical to regional and national energy goals. Her proven expertise in grant management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement positions the consortium to thrive at the intersection of workforce readiness and advanced energy development.
Gilchrist replaces Kirt Marlow, who served as executive director of IAEC since its inception in 2023. Marlow has been an important member of the management team and has led IAEC through its important development years. Marlow will remain an active member of IAEC’s board of directors.
Marlow, speaking on behalf of the IAEC board of directors, said, “With the growth and success of the IAEC, we are excited to be able to bring on a full-time executive director. We are excited for Christi to bring her exceptional skills and deep experience to lead our initiatives across the regional energy landscape, driving collaboration, innovation and sustainable impact. She will be a critical interface with regional states, communities, Idaho National Laboratory, educational entities, suppliers and private businesses.”
About Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium
IAEC was formed in 2023 to convene energy industry stakeholders to address opportunities for
advancements in nuclear and other advanced energy systems. IAEC’s focus is supporting the deployment of clean energy technologies such as enhanced electrolysis for bulk hydrogen production, new generation efficiencies in hydropower, and commercializing advanced nuclear technologies including small modular reactors and microreactors. For more information about bIAEC go to https://idahoadvancedenergy.org/
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