Press Statement

FEBRUARY 23, 2024, VANCOUVER, WA

Clark Mather selected as Northwest RiverPartners’ next executive director

The Northwest RiverPartners Board of Directors has selected Clark Mather as the association’s next executive director. Mather will officially take over leadership responsibilities on April 1. Heather Stebbings, who has served as interim executive director since December 1, 2023, will assist in the transition process.

“We’re excited to welcome Clark to the organization, as he comes to us with a depth of knowledge and expertise,” said Rich Wallen, Northwest RiverPartners board chair. “At such a critical time for hydropower in our region, Northwest RiverPartners needs to focus on promoting and protecting our hydropower assets. We have found a leader who can do exactly that, and I look forward to the work ahead with Clark and to building the organization’s success under his direction.”

“I am honored to lead Northwest RiverPartners during this critical time to continue sharing the vital role that clean, reliable, affordable hydropower must play now and in the future of Pacific Northwest residents,” said Clark Mather. “Thanks to our members, board, staff, and partners, Northwest RiverPartners is in a strong position to continue sharing the facts about hydropower’s value with the communities we serve and key policymakers. I am excited about our work together.”

Mather’s extensive career showcases a focus on government affairs, public engagement, and strategic leadership. He joins Northwest RiverPartners after 11 years with Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU), the last 7 as the organization’s government affairs officer. At TPU, Mather leads a team that builds relationships with community leaders, government decision makers and sovereign Native American Tribes to achieve a variety of impactful outcomes. Mather has led a regional coalition that partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers, Congress, and the Biden Administration to secure more than $220 million in funding for downstream fish passage at Howard Hanson Dam — a critical salmon and orca recovery project in the Northwest. Additionally, Mather provides leadership on a variety of public affairs initiatives and leads TPU’s staff charged with educational outreach and philanthropic efforts.

Mather has also worked in various roles in Congress, first as a regional director and then DC-based legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell. Later, Mather served as district director for retired U.S. Congressman Norm Dicks of Washington’s 6th Congressional District. Throughout his congressional service, Mather focused on important regional issues including energy, water, public lands, economic development, and agriculture.

Mather’s background and understanding of the Pacific Northwest will help shape Northwest RiverPartners’ efforts in the region going forward.

Mather earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in both communications and political science, respectively, from Washington State University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the recipient of an Edward R. Murrow award. Mather currently serves as chair of the National Hydropower Association’s legislative affairs committee and is a 2019 graduate of the American Leadership Forum.