SPOKANE, Wash., Sept. 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avista Corp. (NYSE:AVA) today announced changes in its officer team, approved by the Board of Directors. Vice President, State and Federal Regulation, Kelly Norwood has announced plans to retire on Nov. 1, 2017, after serving the company and its customers for 36 years. Kevin Christie, currently Avista’s Vice President, Customer Solutions, will assume responsibility for the Company’s rates and regulatory activities, while continuing his role in Customer Solutions.

Norwood started with Avista in 1981 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, majoring in accounting, from Eastern Washington University. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of roles in the company, contributing in the finance and energy resources areas as well as the rates department.

“We want to thank Kelly for his 36 years of service to Avista. His leadership in the rates and regulatory area has played an important role in achieving outcomes that benefit all of our stakeholders,” said Avista Corp. Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Morris. “We appreciate his service and dedication, and wish him the best in his retirement. Kevin’s leadership and experience in customer solutions, finance, and natural gas supply will provide for a smooth transition.”

About Avista
Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is the operating division that provides electric service to 378,000 customers and natural gas to 342,000 customers. Its service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.6 million. Alaska Energy and Resources Company is an Avista subsidiary that provides retail electric service in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska, through its subsidiary Alaska Electric Light and Power Company. Avista stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "AVA."  For more information about Avista, please visit www.myavista.com.

Avista Corp. and the Avista logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation.

To unsubscribe from Avista’s news release distribution, send reply message to lena.funston@avistacorp.com

Contact:                                                                   
Media: Casey Fielder (509) 495-4916 casey.fielder@avistacorp.com
Investors: Lauren Pendergraft (509) 495-2998 lauren.pendergraft@avistacorp.com
Avista 24/7 Media Access (509) 495-4174