Allete has named Bethany Owen as its new president. She’s the first woman to hold the role for the Duluth-based energy company. 

Owen, who has been with the company for 16 years, previously served as Allete’s senior vice president and chief legal and administrative officer. 

In announcing Owen’s appointment, the company revealed plans for her to eventually take over Al Hodnik’s role as CEO and chairman, once he has retired, as reported by the Duluth News Tribune. Hodnik most recently held the role as president as well. 

Owen will work closely with Hodnik to oversee the company’s growth strategy and it’s five operating divisions: Minnesota Power, Superior Water Light and Power, Allete Clean Energy, U.S. Water Services and BNI Energy. 

“Bethany is a proven leader and her values-based leadership, strategic planning skills and diverse operational and labor relations experience make her a unique fit for this new role,” Hodnik said in a statement. “She has consistently demonstrated keen ability to lead and achieve strong outcomes in a variety of roles while staying true to Allete’s values and culture of integrity, safety and environmental stewardship. I look forward to working closely with Bethany and the rest of the senior team on advancing Allete’s long-term strategy of answering the call to transform the nation’s energy landscape, enhancing shareholder value and maintaining our deep commitment to customer service.”

Owen previously worked for the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and in the office of former Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana. She also acted as legal counsel for various public and private ventures, after graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School.