Josh Lozano

Senior Government and External Affairs Specialist

Energy Northwest

Age: 38

Current city of residence: West Richland

Briefly describe your company:

Energy Northwest produces reliable, affordable, environmentally responsible electric power and delivers it to Northwest public power utilities at the cost of production – benefiting more than 1.5 million customers. Our portfolio consists of 100% carbon-free generating resources, making Energy Northwest a leader in the clean energy transformation. The agency owns and operates four electricity generating facilities: White Bluffs Solar Station, Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project, Nine Canyon Wind Project and Columbia Generating Station – the Northwest’s only commercial nuclear energy facility and the third largest electricity generator in Washington state.

How long have you worked there?

Three years.

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

• Associate in Arts and Science, Columbia Basin College.
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Washington State University Tri-Cities.
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, Washington State University.
• Graduate of AWB Institute, Leadership Washington Program.

Briefly describe your job and how you got into it:

While serving as the deputy district director in the office of U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, I had the chance to engage with energy-related matters and acquaint myself with Energy Northwest and its clean energy initiatives. I found particular inspiration and encouragement in the agency’s advanced nuclear development work. During my pursuit of a master’s degree at Washington State University (Go Cougs!), I seized the opportunity to seek a position within Energy Northwest’s public affairs department. I saw this as a chance to demonstrate the expertise acquired from my tenure in a congressional office, complemented by the recent insights gained from my studies in strategic communication. As the senior government and external affairs specialist at Energy Northwest, I oversee the development of state and federal legislative priorities, manage strategic communications for government affairs and member relations, and provide direct support to the CEO including speech writing, presentation development and legislative briefings. I also support external and internal communication plans, organize high-level tours, lead business-to-business interactions and represent the agency on industry boards.

Tell us about your first job.

My employment journey began in high school, where I embraced my first job as a grocery store bagger. Though seemingly simple, this role ignited a profound understanding of the power of service to others.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

I would strongly urge my younger self to grasp the significance of defining clear goals and crafting a strategic road map to attain them. I also would encourage my younger self to foster meaningful connections with mentors, peers and colleagues – the power of social capital is real.

What was your dream job as a child?

I grew up dreaming about playing second base for the Seattle Mariners.

What or who most influenced your career path or leadership style? This could be a book, class, person, etc.

My leadership style is primarily influenced by U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse.

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

• Respectful civic engagement.
• Fostering a sense of belonging for all residents.
• Environmental sustainability.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

I actively participate in Energy Northwest’s Proud to Power, Proud to Serve program, which empowers me to contribute to the community through various local organizations, such as Toys for Tots, Friends of Badger Mountain, and United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties. Additionally, I’ve dedicated my time to volunteer with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties and the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities. I also serve as the president of the Mid-Columbia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

If you had unlimited time, what volunteer work would you be interested in doing?

Anything related to animals deeply resonates with me. My wife and I actively support a local animal rescue organization called Little Lives Small Animal Rescue. As dedicated foster parents and adopters, we provide a loving home for neglected or abandoned rabbits.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

Finding work-life balance has been a constant challenge for me, but having a 1-year-old son has completely changed the game. His presence in my life fuels my commitment to achieving a harmonious work-life balance. Being actively involved in his upbringing inspires me to prioritize my time effectively and nurture both my career and family life.

List any awards/honors you have received:

Washington State University Tri-Cities, graduated summa cum laude.

Columbia Basin College, graduated with honors.

Do you have family? Pets?

My wife, Nichole, and I have a son named Noah. We also are surrounded by our parents, grandparents, siblings and countless nieces and nephews. Additionally, we have three German Shepherd dogs and three rabbits.

What brought you to the Tri-Cities? Did you grow up here?

I moved to the Tri-Cities to pursue my education and completely fell in love with the community. This led me to make the heartfelt decision to make it my permanent home.

What’s your dream vacation?

Machu Picchu, Peru. I’m fascinated by the incredible architecture, natural beauty and mystique.

Planner or procrastinator?

Definitely a strategic planner.

Introvert or extrovert?

I’m on the introvert side of the spectrum.

First car?

Honda Civic

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

I enjoy all the amazing hiking opportunities. Candy Mountain is my favorite.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

My bachelor’s degree is in psychology, not political science.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant.

Favorite day of the week?

Saturday.

Text, email, phone call?

Phone call.

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

Definitely travel to the future.