Teaching the Next Generation about … Generation: Meet Heather Herbst

Teachers can be some of the most important people in our lives. Everybody has a favorite teacher who inspired and motivated them to learn.

Here at the PUD, we’ve got some of the best teachers around in our Education Department. Helping to lead the way for that group for almost seven years has been Heather Herbst one of our Public Education Coordinators. Heather helps organize six contract teachers who visit hundreds of elementary school classrooms throughout the year. She also helps facilitate the PUD’s participation in STEM Nights, field trips, facility tours and other activities to educate our customers on all that we do at the PUD.

Those tasks got even more challenging in recent years, with Heather having to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the passing of the PUD’s other Public Education Coordinator last year.

“Heather brings an unmatched passion to her work at the PUD. She absolutely loves teaching anyone who will listen about the benefits of renewable energy, building circuits, electrical safety, sustainability and energy conservation,” said Lisa Hunnewell, the PUD’s Chief Communication Officer. “She is dedicated to helping others learn and grow no matter their age. If she isn’t chasing around students during a field trip at Woods Creek, planning a new activity for a STEM night, or rescheduling classroom presentations due to snow, she is likely cooking a pre-game meal for an entire football team at her house.”

“Heather’s passion for educating our next generation of utility and community leaders is inspiring,” said Kellie Stickney, our Lead Communications Specialist and Heather’s supervisor. “She has an amazing natural inclination to care for others, including her teachers, students, and colleagues. Her resiliency is unmatched.”

Heather designs energy-related curriculum lessons based on Washington State Education Standards. Not only does she work with public and private schools throughout Snohomish County, she also opens events to homeschool students to ensure they have access to learning about the PUD and clean energy.

“This job is the unicorn of teaching jobs,” Heather said. “It combines everything I love about teaching and leaves out the stuff I don’t like so much. Some of the things I love include working with experts from different departments, teaching about things I’m passionate about, supporting other teachers/parents, learning new and interesting things daily, field trips, and creating learning experiences to include all learners.”

“Heather is an astounding human being,” added Laura Zorick, Communications and Marketing Specialist. “I do not know how she has managed the plethora of work requirements she has on her plate. The list of items Heather has tackled is endless! If you need something, you don’t even have to ask before she offers assistance. I am so grateful to know Heather and be lucky enough to call her a friend!”

Heather’s work allows her to interact with several groups around the PUD, including Natural Resources and Generation. Those groups, in particular, love working with Heather to plan out field trips to Woods Creek and other sites around the PUD.

“Heather is an amazing educator and peer,” said Dawn Presler, Lead Environmental Compliance Specialist. “She has a big heart and cares deeply for the community and her co-workers. Her passion for education and environmental sustainability is evident in the way she shows up. She pushes the PUD to think critically on how to deliver the best possible experiences to students, be more inclusive, and convey information meaningfully so that all students can learn in a fun and engaging way.”

Heather’s already crazy schedule got even more difficult when Jenni Lamarca, Public Education Program Coordinator, passed away last May. Jenni and Heather were the Education Team’s dynamic duo, always figuring out new ways to connect with students young and old. Like Heather, Jenni made an amazing impression on everyone she came across.

“I think about Jenni every day, about how curious she was and passionate about teaching where electricity comes from,” Heather said.

Late last year, the PUD hired Kelly Singleterry, Public Education Program Coordinator, to join Heather in Education. Heather’s loved working with Kelly, and said she brings a ton of fresh energy to the department.

Kelly praised Heather for helping her get acclimated at the PUD and, as usual, for going out of her way to help.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to start in a new role at a new company with,” Kelly said. “Heather’s been a fantastic source of support and inspiration. I’m so thrilled to work with someone who truly loves education and learning. Thank you, Heather, for being such a lovely mentor, teammate and friend!”

Heather was born in Wisconsin and grew up in the small town of Appleton. Her first teaching job was a fifth-grade classroom in Pensacola, Florida. Her husband, Sam, was active-duty Navy for 21 years so she moved around a lot, getting to teach in Wisconsin, California, Virginia and Washington.

“It’s really hard to build a career as a military spouse,” Heather said. “This job is one of the main reasons my husband retired, and we stayed here in the area. I knew I wouldn’t be able to find another job like this.”

Heather wanted to thank all of her co-workers and everyone that she gets to work with across the entire PUD.

“I get to work with a lot of people,” Heather said. “Every person I work with deserves to be Employee of the Month. I could not do my job without the support of everyone else. Never in my professional life have I felt more supported or fortunate.”