Avista names director of government relations

Avista has named Collins Sprague as its director of government relations. In this role Sprague will oversee all government, legislative, political and public policy activities as it relates to Avista customers, shareholders and community stakeholders.

For the past 22 years Sprague has served as Avista's manager of Washington State Government Relations and has played a pivotal role in energy matters affecting Avista and its customers.

In 2010 he received the Ron Gjerde Award as the state's best business lobbyist of the year. He also currently serves on boards at the Association of Washington Business and the Washington Research Council.

Sprague replaces Avista's long-time director of Government Relations, Tom Paine, who retired in early August.