Kay Nichols Stepp

Kay Nichols Stepp, Class of 1963, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in 1967 and a Master of Arts from the University of Portland in 1978, During her 15-year career in the Electric Utility industry, she was the first woman to be named President and Chief Operating Officer of an electric utility in the United States. She served for seven years as the first lay chairman of the governing board of Providence Health System, the largest health care system in five western states, and served as Director of six public corporate boards, three private company boards, and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco board.

She is a recipient of numerous community awards recognizing corporate and civic leadership, such as Volunteers of America – Corporate Citizen Award, Woman of Distinction – Columbia River Girl Scouts, Woman of Achievement – YWCA, White Rose Award – March of Dimes Foundation, and a Fellow with the American Leadership Foundation.

Kay has been recognized for her excellence in developing communications and marketing programs for various organizations presented by women in communications, including the Banner Award, Clarion Award, and Matrix Award.

After retirement, Kay served as President of the Library Board in Manzanita, Oregon, and chaired their library renovation project.