Northwestern Energy, Vice President, Asset Management and Business Development
Bleau LaFave was named vice president of asset management and business development of NorthWestern Energy on June 14, 2023. He currently oversees the management and planning of distribution gas and electric assets and energy supply planning. His duties also include project development, project management, and business development for the gas, electric, and supply operations. Previously, as the director of long-term development, his responsibilities included overseeing the long- term energy supply growth strategies for NorthWestern, including large project development and acquisitions.
Bleau shares his leadership experience as a member of the member board committee of Southwest Power Pool. He also served 17 years on the South Dakota One Call Board including two years as board chair and six years on the Southwest Power Pool market and operations policy committee.
LaFave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1994. He joined NorthWestern Energy as a project engineer and has served in many operations and administration functions with a focus on operations management, procurement, logistics, contracts, fleet, facilities, utility engineering, measurement, and customer service.