This week, the National Hydropower Association’s (NHA) Clean Currents will set-up shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from October 14-17, 2025.

As the premier U.S. water power gathering, combining trade show and conference elements, Clean Currents is a “by the industry, for the industry” event, with all proceeds invested back into the water power industry.

Whether it’s the information rich sessions, workshops, or panels – Clean Currents complements the interests of attendees with nationally acclaimed speakers, industry leaders, and innovators, who are helping shape the future of water power.

At this year’s Clean Currents, NHA is excited to highlight the Thursday, October 16, 2025, plenary session featuring NHA’s CEO and President, Malcolm Woolf, who will moderate a ‘Fireside Chat’ with three executives representing Eagle Creek (host of Clean Currents), Great River Hydro, Northwestern Energy, and Oglethorpe Power Corporation.

During the plenary, attendees should expect to hear about current challenges and opportunities facing U.S. hydropower, as well as vital insights – delivered straight from industry leaders – about the path forward for water power.

WHO ARE THE PANELISTS?

The following executives are scheduled to speak as part of the Fireside Chat this Thursday:

Neal Simmons, President and CEO at Eagle Creek Renewable Energy:

Dr. W. Neal Simmons is a strategic leader and technical expert, with a background that includes senior engineering roles and over 25 years as a mechanical engineering professor at Duke University. He has led major infrastructure projects, founded two engineering companies, and holds over 30 U.S. patents. A passionate advocate for energy education, Dr. Simmons continues to teach at Duke and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.

Erin O’Dea, President and CEO at Great River Hydro, LLC:

Erin O’Dea is the President and CEO of Great River Hydro, New England’s largest conventional hydropower producer, operating 13 generating stations across three states with a capacity of 589 MW. With 16 years of experience in the energy sector, she has held key legal and leadership roles at both Great River Hydro and its former owner, TransCanada, overseeing legal, regulatory, and operational matters. Appointed in 2023, Erin O’Dea was the Great River Hydro’s first female CEO.

Jeremy Clotfelter, Director, Hydro Operations at Northwestern Energy

With more than 30 years of experience in fossil and hydropower generation, Jeremy Clotfelter draws on that expertise in his current role at Northwestern Energy, where he’s responsible for all aspects of the company’s fleet of 11 dams and hydroelectric plants. Clotfelter’s background covers a wide range skillsets, which include: system engineering, environmental and compliance, project management, and strategic management of the hydro fleet.

Rich Wallen, Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer at Oglethorpe Power Corporation:

Rich Wallen brings over 30 years of experience across hydro, gas, coal, and nuclear energy, including small, modular reactors, to his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Oglethorpe Power Corporation.

As a U.S. Navy veteran and former CEO of Grant County Public Utility District in Washington state, Rich Wallen has led multi-billion-dollar energy operations and strategic initiatives to support clean energy goals. His leadership has spanned multiple major energy companies and industry organizations, where he has championed innovation, operational excellence, and advanced nuclear development.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about Thursday’s plenary, click HERE.