Pittsburgh, PA — The National Hydropower Association (NHA) has named Herbie N. Johnson, Business Development Manager for Hydropower at Colliers Engineering & Design, as the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership, innovation, and enduring contributions to the hydropower industry.
From left: 2024 Henwood Award Winner, John Ragonese; Herbie Johnson; NHA President and CEO, Malcolm Woolf
The Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award is the hydropower industry’s highest individual honor, presented annually to a leader whose career embodies integrity, vision, and commitment to the advancement of hydropower. Johnson’s three-decade career across the public and private sectors exemplifies these values through a lifelong dedication to preservation and advancement of hydropower through a collaborative process.
“Herbie’s work has consistently elevated hydropower as a cornerstone of America’s clean energy future,” said NHA President and CEO, Malcolm Woolf. “His leadership—from modernizing legacy infrastructure to championing cybersecurity and public-private partnerships—reflects the innovative spirit that defines this award.”
Johnson brings more than 30 years of energy-sector leadership, with experience spanning Southern Company, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and Colliers Engineering & Design. As General Manager of Hydropower Generation at Southern Company, he led a fleet of 30 hydropower plants producing 2,900 megawatts of clean energy. Later, as Technology Manager for DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office, he directed national R&D programs in hydropower modernization, cybersecurity, and maintenance. Today at Colliers Engineering & Design, Johnson supports clients with hydropower project development, regulatory strategy, and investment/tax incentives.
A graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Johnson’s service includes board and leadership roles with the International Hydro Association (IHA) and National Hydropower Association (NHA), including two terms as NHA President (2017–2019). A U.S. Air Force veteran, he has been recognized for integrity, mentorship, and community service.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award,” said Johnson. “This recognition reflects the incredible teams and mentors who share a vision for a modern, resilient hydropower future—and most of all, the unwavering support of my family. My wife of over 30 years, Hannah, and our daughters Avery and Claire have been my constant inspiration and strength.”
