Allete Inc.’s board on Monday announced its first female CEO.

Bethany Owen, who was named president a year ago, has been promoted to CEO of the Duluth-based energy company. She succeeds Al Hodnik, who will continue to serve as executive chairman until his retirement in May 2021.

Owen first joined Allete in 2002 as an attorney and steadily worked her way through the ranks. During her appointment as president and board director, she oversaw the development and execution of the company’s growth strategy, Allete officials said in a news release. Allete is the parent company of electric utility Minnesota Power.

The change in leadership comes as Allete continues to invest in alternative forms of energy. By next year, Minnesota Power will get half of its energy from renewable resources, the Star Tribune reported.

“Bethany’s compassionate and strategic leadership and focus on sustainability in all its forms are well suited to continue Allete’s industry leading energy transformation,” said Heidi Jimmerson, lead director of Allete’s board.