Biography: Stan Price

By Ellen MacPherson

As the UW Bothell campus heads into Career Discovery Week, it is important for all students to take a moment to reflect on their goals and develop plans for the future. We are always told to study what we are passionate about; be that art history, mathamatics, or government.

However that doesn’t always translate into a clear career path, leaving us to wonder: what will I do with my degree? This question was faced by Stan Price as he graduated with a BA in Poltical Science from Indiana University and a Masters in Environmental & Policy Studies from University of Colorado some twenty years ago and the answer is: plenty!

Price is currently the Executive Director of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (or NEEC: a regional trade association that represents businesses which provide energy efficient products and services) and is involved in a number of exciting projects.  NEEC collaborated with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and was recently named the recipient of a U.S. Department of Labor grant for job training and placement as a part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Price also serves as the voice of the industry in state and local program and policy issues and is active in Olympia during each legislative session. Price credits his background in policy studies and political science as key to navigating the halls of the state capital. Price also serves on advisory committees, such as Puget Sound Energy’s Conservation Resource Advisory Group and the Energy Trust of Oregon’s Conservation Advisory Committee.

Sustainability and energy efficiency may be buzz words in today’s business world but they are the way of the future. When hiring, non-profit organizations such as NEEC are always looking for graduates who have a strong background in government and policy since they have an understanding of the political environment. Stan advises anyone interested in getting more involved while still in school to volunteer with local organizations that serve your community since many times volunteer work can be a great networking tool as well as resume builder. Career Discovery Week is a great opportunity for all UW Bothell students to explore options they might never have considered and make some of those connections that can translate into an exciting future.