Heather Rivard

Questioner
DISC Type : c

Board Member at NYISO

Detroit Metropolitan Area, United States

Overview

Heather Rivard is a recently retired energy executive with over 30 years of experience, now serving on the NYISO Board of Directors. She was formerly the Senior Vice President of Transmission & Distribution at Southern California Edison, where she led grid operations and modernization. She holds an MBA and a BSE in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Following a long career, Heather retired to focus on her new role as a grandmother. She has a passion for safety and people, shaped by personal experiences, and was a Girl Scout for over a decade. In high school, she ran cross country and track, valuing the camaraderie of being part of a team.

She began her career as an aerospace engineer, working for NASA at the Johnson Space Center and for the Department of Defense.

Personality Overview

Systematic

Value Seeker

Cautious & Analytical

They prefer to do thorough analysis of any situation.  It is quite likely of them to ask for pricing or other concessions. While they don't hesitate to ask questions, they are generally risk-averse and tend to be late adopters.

Topics They Care About

Grid Modernization
Her recent SVP role at Southern California Edison was directly responsible for the operation, maintenance, and modernization of the electrical grid.
Leadership Coaching
Identifies as an Executive Coach and holds a "Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance" certification, showing a commitment to developing leaders.
Workplace Safety
Has written articles on leadership's role in creating a safe work environment and emphasizes that ensuring employees get home safely is her top priority.

Media Appearances

PRESS RELEASE | NYISO Appoints Heather Rivard to Board of Directors. Featured in NYISO

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NYISO Announces 2 New Board Members. Featured in RTO Insider

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Work History

7-2025
Board Member at NYISO
9-2021 - 7-2025
Senior Vice President - Transmission & Distribution at Southern California Edison (SCE)
11-2016 - 9-2021
Senior Vice President - Electric Distribution at DTE Energy
3-2015 - 11-2016
Vice President - Electric Distribution at DTE Energy
1-2014 - 3-2015
Vice President - Corporate Services at DTE Energy

Education

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) from University of Michigan College of Engineering

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 16 Location : Detroit Metropolitan Area, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Board Member at NYISO
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Insights For Selling To Heather

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Emphasise more on facts and measurable benefits
  • Keep some extra margin in hand as they will likely negotiate the pricing
  • Emphasize on objective proof of ROI, help them do a thorough evaluation

DONT's

  • Avoid rushing them, be polite and patient
  • Don’t depend too much on anecdotal evidence, it reduces their confidence
  • Don’t overhype the product/pitch, keep it measured

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Heather is

  • Ensuring that the product delivers ROI, cost-effective pricing and process compliance are very important for them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Heather

  • It doesn’t come naturally to them but they can say no if they are not convinced.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Heather move?

  • If they have the information that they need, they can move fast at making their decisions.
  • Can Heather take some risk or not?

  • They can take some risk if they are confident that they have analyzed the circumstances well.


You And Heather

Personality Compatibility


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