The Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC) and the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) announced today the appointment of Hope Morrow to a newly created joint leadership role: Executive Director of the INEC Tech Hub and Vice President of Workforce Training at CEI.

The dual appointment reflects a strategic partnership between IAEC and CEI designed to align workforce development directly with the region's rapidly expanding energy economy. In her new role, Morrow will lead the INEC Tech Hub — the nation's only nuclear energy Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated Tech Hub, recently awarded $40 million in federal funding — while simultaneously shaping workforce training strategy at CEI.

Morrow brings nearly eight years of experience from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to the position, along with a national profile in workforce development. She was recently named in Nuclear Energy Institute's (NEI) inaugural class of Nuclear Workforce Champions, recognizing her leadership in building talent pipelines for the nuclear energy sector.

"This dual role allows the partners to align workforce development directly with the pace of growth we're seeing across the region's energy sector and adjacent growing industries," said Morrow. "My focus is building a pipeline for the entire supply chain — in partnership with industry, education, and economic development — that meets the demands of the regional economy now and positions it for long-term success."

"Hope's track record at INL, across the state, and her national recognition make her exactly the kind of leader this moment calls for," said Christi Gilchrist, Executive Director of IAEC. "Her ability to bridge strategy and execution will be critical as we scale the INEC Tech Hub's impact across the region."

"This innovative partnership with IAEC, and Hope's leadership in particular, strengthens CEI's ability to prepare students and workers for real, high-demand careers in the energy sector," said Lori Barber, President of College of Eastern Idaho. "Hope's experience and vision will help ensure our workforce training programs keep pace with the needs of these fast-growing industries."

Morrow's appointment underscores a shared commitment by the Consortium and the College to building the strongest possible workforce ecosystem for the region's energy sector — one capable of meeting both immediate industry demand and the long-term growth of advanced energy and nuclear innovation nationally.

About the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC)

IAEC is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit consortium dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of advanced nuclear energy across Idaho and the intermountain west. As the coordinating organization for the INEC Tech Hub, IAEC brings together universities, community colleges, private companies, utilities, manufacturers, workforce partners, and communities to advance U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness, and domestic energy production. For more information about IAEC, go to idahoadvancedenergy.org

About the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI)
College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees, select bachelor’s degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of eastern Idaho — redefining what comes next. Visit cei.edu for more information.