The Patti Wilson Leadership Program was launched in 2024 to honor the legacy of former International District Energy Association (IDEA) Chair and longtime Board Member Patti Wilson.
Patti embraced the essence of IDEA through her passion for connecting people, a commitment to lifelong learning, and her warm spirit of collegiality. This program is underwritten in part through the generous support of Affiliated Engineers, Inc (AEI), her long term employer, and IDEA.
The award is presented at the annual IDEA Campus Energy Conference, where Patti’s many years of professionalism and leadership helped to advance the industry. The primary intent of the program is to attract and foster participation of promising young women in the district energy industry and support emerging leadership potential to continue advancing the global mission of IDEA.
This is the second year we will celebrate Patti's legacy through this award. On Wednesday, February 18 at CampusEnergy2026 in National Harbor, MD, we are excited to honor 21 Patti Wilson Leadership Award recipients, each exemplifying Patti's spirit and dedication.