Avista names first female CEO

Avista Corp. Chief Executive Officer Dennis Vermillion recently announced he will retire in the first quarter of 2025.

Vermillion will transition his duties as CEO to Avista president and COO Heather Rosentrater, who was appointed to CEO by the company’s board of directors, effective Jan. 1. As CEO, Rosentrater will retain the role of president. She has also been appointed to the board of directors, effective Jan. 1, a press release said.

“At every turn since joining Avista, Heather has positioned our utility to be at the forefront of innovation," Vermillion said. "She has demonstrated she possesses the values, strength, acumen, and insights to lead Avista during these unique times. I’m excited for Avista’s future under Heather’s leadership as CEO, the first female CEO in our company’s history.”

Rosentrater became president and COO on Oct. 1, 2023. 

“Having grown up in the area, including attending Gonzaga University, I am extremely honored to help continue Avista’s long-standing legacy of supporting community vitality through energy," she said in the press release.