Heather Ackenhusen

Heather Ackenhusen is a senior technical leader with a proven track record in solving complex problems and driving continuous improvement across multiple sectors. Currently serving as an Energy Systems Security Program Manager at Idaho National Laboratory, Heather’s portfolio includes programs focused on natural hazard risk & resilience, cybersecurity, microgrids, and the expansion of clean energy.

Heather's career includes senior leadership roles at the Linux Foundation, where she spearheaded the development of an open-source, data mesh platform focused on climate risk & sustainable transition analytics for large financial institutions, Amazon, where she led multiple software development and data science organizations, and at U.S. Cellular, where she directed national network engineering and security teams. Her strategic approach and ability to foster positive, results-oriented cultures have consistently driven success in roles involving e-commerce, IT, finance, and telecommunications.

Heather holds a Master of Science in Telecommunications Management from Stevens Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan.