Ed Schlect

As Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for Avista, Ed Schlect is focused on driving growth for the company through service innovation, emerging technologies and new ventures in line with Avista’s core energy business.

Ed Schlect has over 30 years in the energy industry, initially at PacifiCorp and The Washington Water Power Company, now known as Avista. Schlect rejoined Avista in 2015 after serving as a founder of Ecova, an energy information firm, where he served in executive roles, including director of operations, vice president of product development, vice president of consulting services and executive vice president of corporate development. Schlect led the strategic planning for the company, evaluation of new energy technologies and merger/acquisition initiatives. These led to seven transactions which brought new services to customers and the eventual sale of Ecova to deliver value to shareholders.

Schlect has a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Washington State University and has completed a course in Operations Management at Harvard Business School. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and has held certifications as a Green Building Engineer and as Certified Energy Manager.

Schlect serves on the board of directors of the Union Gospel Mission Foundation in Spokane, Washington.