SPOKANE, Wash., April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Scott L. Morris, Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA) chairman, president and chief executive officer is pleased to announce that Avista Corp. Vice President Roger Woodworth will take on the additional role of Chief Strategy Officer for the company. In this new role, Woodworth will focus on entrepreneurial growth opportunities, both inside and outside of the company, including innovative services, emerging technologies and other potential ventures that are in line with Avista's core energy business.

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"The energy utility industry is undergoing major change as a result of rapidly evolving technologies, new energy policies and increased interest in the value customers get from the energy they choose to use," said Morris. "Roger's broad utility experience and strategic way of thinking makes him well-suited to explore and vet the best of new opportunities to position us for the energy future."

Woodworth's 32-year career at Avista includes service as vice president of corporate development, vice president of operations and, most recently, vice president for sustainable energy solutions. He is a graduate of Washington State University and an alumnus of Columbia University's Senior Executive Program.

SOURCE Avista Corp.