Avista Announces New Executive Appointments

Rhea-AI Summary

Avista (NYSE: AVA) has announced key leadership changes effective October 1, 2025, as part of its planned succession strategy. Jason Thackston, current Senior VP and Chief Strategy Officer, will expand his role to Senior VP of Growth, Energy Policy, and External Relations. Wayne Manuel, current VP and CIO/CSO, has been promoted to Senior VP of Operations and Technology, reporting directly to CEO Heather Rosentrater. Alexis Alexander, currently Director of Applications, will be promoted to VP, CIO/CSO, reporting to Manuel.

The company serves 423,000 electric customers and 383,000 natural gas customers across a 30,000 square mile territory in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of Oregon, plus 18,000 electric customers in Juneau, Alaska through its subsidiary.

[ "Strategic restructuring aims to enhance operational capabilities and growth initiatives", "Internal promotion demonstrates strong succession planning and talent development", "Expanded leadership roles indicate focus on technology and security integration", "Appointment of experienced leaders with diverse backgrounds in key operational areas" ]

Management Changes Focused on Enhancing Strategic Execution and Effective Operations

SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avista (NYSE: AVA) today announced a few changes to its leadership team, effective Oct. 1, 2025, as part of a planned succession strategy designed to enhance the company’s operational capabilities, strategic vision and promote future growth.

Jason Thackston, currently Senior Vice President of Energy Policy and Chief Strategy Officer will take on expanded responsibilities. To reflect the change in focus his new title will be Senior Vice President of Growth, Energy Policy, and External Relations. In this broader role, Jason will not only oversee energy policy and external relations but will also drive company-wide growth initiatives.

Wayne Manuel, currently Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer, has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations and Technology. In this expanded role, Manuel will report directly to President and CEO Heather Rosentrater and will oversee energy delivery operations and technology initiatives.

Manuel joined Avista in 2023, with an extensive background across various organizations in Information Technology, Strategy, Human Resources, Marketing, Clinical (P&L) Operations, Research, Process Improvement, Project Management, and Change Management.

Alexis Alexander, currently Director of Applications, will succeed Manuel as the Vice President, Chief Information Officer/Chief Security Officer, reporting to Manuel.  Alexander will lead Avista’s information systems and cybersecurity strategy, ensuring continued innovation and resilience across the company’s digital infrastructure.

Alexander started with the company in 2007 as a Demand Side Management Student Engineer. He has held many leadership roles in his time with the company, eventually serving as Director of Generation Production and Substation Support, where he led teams responsible for reliable power generation and delivery across the service territory. In 2023, he made a transition over to technology leadership as the Director of IT Infrastructure. Most recently, he was named Director of Applications for Energy Delivery, Energy Resources, Customer Solutions, and Business Enablement.

"I am pleased to promote Wayne Manuel and Alexis Alexander into these key leadership roles,” said Avista President and CEO Heather Rosentrater.

“Wayne's extensive experience has been invaluable to our team. His dedication to enhancing our company's security and information systems has been of significant value to Avista.”

“Alexis Alexander has shown exceptional skill in managing high-impact projects. His coordination and proactive approach to resource planning have been instrumental in our success. Alexis's ability to lead and inspire his team is evident in his consistent performance and commitment to excellence.”

“These appointments reflect Avista’s commitment to strong leadership, operational excellence and long-term strategic growth. I am confident that their continued leadership will help move our organization forward," Rosentrater added.

About Avista Corp.
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 our operating division that provides electric service to 423,000 customers and natural gas to 383,000 customers. Our service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million. AERC is an Avista subsidiary that, through its subsidiary AEL&P, provides retail electric service to 18,000 customers in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska. Our stock is traded under the ticker symbol “AVA”. For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com. 

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than historical facts. Such statements speak only as of the date of the news release and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, in addition to those discussed herein, all of the factors discussed in the company’s and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Mar. 31, 2025, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024.  

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

SOURCE: Avista Corporation

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Contact:
Media: Lena Funston (509) 495-8090, lena.funston@avistacorp.com
Investors: Stacey Walters (509) 495-2046, stacey.walters@avistacorp.com
Avista 24/7 Media Access (509) 495-4174  

FAQ

Who are the new executive appointments at Avista (NYSE: AVA) announced for October 2025?

The key appointments include Jason Thackston as Senior VP of Growth, Energy Policy, and External Relations, Wayne Manuel as Senior VP of Operations and Technology, and Alexis Alexander as VP, CIO/CSO.

What is Wayne Manuel's new role at Avista (NYSE: AVA)?

Wayne Manuel has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations and Technology, reporting directly to CEO Heather Rosentrater. He will oversee energy delivery operations and technology initiatives.

When will Avista's (NYSE: AVA) new executive appointments take effect?

The new executive appointments will take effect on October 1, 2025.

How many customers does Avista (NYSE: AVA) serve?

Avista serves 423,000 electric customers and 383,000 natural gas customers across eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of Oregon, plus 18,000 electric customers in Juneau, Alaska through its subsidiary.

What is Alexis Alexander's background at Avista (NYSE: AVA)?

Alexander joined Avista in 2007 as a Demand Side Management Student Engineer and has held various leadership roles, including Director of Generation Production and Substation Support, IT Infrastructure, and most recently, Director of Applications.