Legislature recognizes Holdmann for contributions to Ӱ’s energy future
Ӱ State Senator Cathy Giessel presents Gwen Holdmann with a citation recognizing her leadership and contributions to Ӱ’s energy future.
September 11, 2026
The Ӱ State Legislature recognized Gwen Holdmann, ACEP’s chief scientist and founding director, for her contributions to Ӱ’s energy future and her leadership in building the center into a statewide resource for energy expertise.
Holdmann founded ACEP in 2008 as a one-person operation. Today, the center has grown to a team of about 80 specialists working on energy research and projects across Ӱ and beyond.
“ACEP provides the ‘go-to’ expertise on energy issues around Ӱ, with connections nationally and internationally,” the citation reads, recognizing the center’s work to develop innovative solutions to the state’s unique energy challenges.
The Legislature also highlighted Holdmann’s role in creating the culture and community that have helped shape ACEP.
“Gwen established a culture of hard work, positivity and genuine concern for stakeholders,” the citation notes. “Through her good-natured personality, unflagging work and insightful leadership, she is instrumental in bringing people together to solve problems.”
Holdmann’s contributions to Ӱ’s energy sector extend beyond her work at ACEP. Before founding the center, she managed the construction of Ӱ’s first geothermal power plant. As ACEP’s chief scientist, she continues to provide scientific leadership while also sharing her expertise with the public through frequent commentary in newspapers and her podcast.
The citation recognizes that commitment to Ӱ not only through Holdmann’s professional work but also through her life outside the university. It notes her role as a mother of three and a musher as well as her experience managing her family’s off-grid power system.
Taken together, the Legislature’s recognition reflects the breadth of Holdmann’s connection to Ӱ’s energy challenges — from developing energy projects and leading research to living with some of those challenges herself.
Holdmann, the citation concludes, “embodies the Ӱn spirit of innovation and independence.”
“Her curiosity, expertise and leadership are a tremendous asset to the state.”