Jobs and People

Avista makes executive leadership changes

Avista makes executive leadership changes
(Photo courtesy Avista Utilities)

As part of a planned succession process, Avista announced several senior leadership changes that are effective Sept. 1.

Heather Rosentrater, currently senior vice president, energy delivery and shared services, will become senior vice president and chief operating officer. In this position, she will oversee energy delivery, energy resources and enterprise technology.

Jason Thackston, currently senior vice president, energy resources and environmental compliance officer, will become senior vice president and chief strategy and clean energy officer. In this position, he will lead strategy, non-regulated investments, business transformation, clean energy, environmental affairs, and innovation and growth.

Greg Hesler, currently vice president, general counsel, corporate secretary and chief ethics/compliance officer, will become senior vice president, general counsel, corporate secretary and chief ethics/compliance officer.

Bryan Cox, currently vice president, safety and human resources, will become vice president, safety and chief people officer.

Scott Kinney, currently director of energy supply, will become vice president, energy resources.

Josh DiLuciano, currently director of electrical engineering, will become vice president, energy delivery.

“I could not be more excited to announce these appointments,” said Dennis Vermillion, resident and chief executive officer. “The individuals are transformative leaders who know Avista and the utility industry inside and out. I have the utmost confidence in their abilities and firmly believe this change will benefit Avista’s employees, customers and other stakeholders in numerous ways.”

Vermillion said the changes announced are consistent with the board’s commitment to provide ongoing growth opportunities for future generations of leaders to develop the capabilities critical to Avista’s long-term health and success.

Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. The Avista Utilities operating division provides electric service to 408,000 customers and natural gas to 375,000 customers in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon.