Kevin Nordt: 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award recipient

MSNEEP ’92 (BS mathematical physics ’87, St. John’s University)
Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Dairyland Power Cooperative; Chairman of
the Board, Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprises

A nuclear engineer and electric utility executive who leverages unique insights and perspectives to champion advanced nuclear power to help drive economic development and meet future electricity needs.

“Electricity is an essential service for modern life. It’s rewarding to work in the electric power business because it has a big impact on people’s lives and society,” says Kevin Nordt, describing his passion for his work.

Nordt began his energy career as an engineer at the Trojan Nuclear Plant in Oregon, progressing through various engineering and energy trading positions. He pivoted to energy utility leadership in 2006 when he joined the Grant County Public Utility District in Washington state. From 2011 to 2021 he served as the chief financial officer and chief executive officer of the district.

He led the development of novel products and services that supported early-stage integration of renewable power on the grid in the western United States. Under his leadership, the company built financial strength that allowed it to maintain reliable and cost-effective electric power service to its customers. And the company provided the electrical backbone to support a large boom of new industry in central Washington, including technology and manufacturing companies, which strengthened the local economy.

Nordt also led a major effort to build a high-speed broadband internet network that covers all the rural areas in the company’s service territory. “Delivering broadband internet access is a big challenge in rural America, but I’m proud that we were able to generate sufficient financial returns to allow us to build the network, which will benefit the community for decades to come,” he says.

In 2023, Nordt returned to Wisconsin to start a new role as executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Dairyland Power Cooperative, which includes leading the effort to bring advanced nuclear power to Wisconsin.

How did your experience in the College of Engineering influence your career path?

It had a major influence. For one, I met my future wife, who was a fellow nuclear engineering student at UW-Madison. I followed her out west when she went to teach at Oregon State University, so that took me to a new part of the country, and I began working in industry. Also, I was able to take a broad array of classes and learn about different topics that were relevant to business and finance, which allowed me to seize opportunities in my career.

What engineering professor had the greatest impact on you?

Professor Mike Corradini, who was my advisor and a wonderful mentor. He just had such tremendous enthusiasm and passion for his research and was also very caring and supportive. I was inspired by the way he approached engineering challenges and broke down problems to arrive at solutions.

Which do you prefer?

Fun on the Terrace or fun on Lake Mendota?
The Terrace. While I do love being out on the water and sailing on Lake Mendota, I really enjoy having a good time with my wife and friends out on the Terrace.

Sweet Caroline or Jump Around?
Sweet Caroline. Jump Around is fun to watch, but it’s a little bit after my time at UW-Madison.

State Street or Lakeshore path?
Both are great, but I’m picking Lakeshore path. I have lots of great memories of strolling it with my wife. We also had many good times running together on that path with a group of our friends.

Favorite Babcock ice cream flavor?
Orange custard chocolate chip.