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  1. Whitworth University
  2. School of Business
  3. Executive Speaker Series
  4. Don Kopczynski

The Dean's Executive Speaker Series

Don Kopczynski

Retired Vice President of Energy Delivery & Customer Service, Avista Corp.

A professor and students pose, smiling, in front of a whiteboard in a classroom setting.

Don Kopczynski recently retired from Avista Corp., where he worked for 37 years. He began with the company in 1979 as an electrical engineer and held positions in construction operations, gas supply and power supply; he also worked in four of Avista's subsidiary operations, finishing his career as vice president of energy delivery and customer service. Kopczynski is active in community organizations and is a vice chair of the Common Ground Alliance and past chair of the operating section of the American Gas Association.

Tips for Success:

  • Never stop learning.
  • Envision the future.
  • Get creative.
  • Take reasonable risks.
  • Find your passion.
  • Design your time and understand how to allocate it.
  • Embrace failure.
  • Take advantage of opportunities - even the opportunities in simple jobs.
  • It is easy to lead when times are good; the real character development takes place during tough times.