Avista Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Avista has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, safety, and business development.

Driven by a commitment to reliable energy, Avista provides essential electric and natural gas services across multiple U.S. regions and Alaska, while also engaging in diverse industrial fabrication and strategic investments.

Leadership Roles at Avista

  • Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer - Kevin Christie
  • President, Avista Development, Inc - Mark Gustafson
  • Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO - James Kensok
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer - Alexis Alexander
  • Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer, At Avista - Bryan Cox
  • Kevin Christie - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

    Kevin Christie, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Avista, manages the company's extensive financial operations and capital structure. Christie oversees all fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial reporting, ensuring the economic health of Avista's energy utility services and its diversified business units, including sheet metal fabrication and venture capital investments. As Treasurer, Kevin Christie directs treasury operations, manages banking relationships, and oversees the company's liquidity and debt management strategies across its service territories in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska. This critical role involves securing funding for infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects, and strategic acquisitions. By providing astute financial guidance, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer supports Avista's long-term growth objectives and its commitment to delivering reliable energy services. Christie's financial acumen is instrumental in navigating market dynamics and ensuring sustainable profitability for the corporation.
    Kevin Christie

    Mark Gustafson - President, Avista Development, Inc

    Mark Gustafson, the President, Avista Development, Inc at Avista, spearheads the company's strategic growth initiatives beyond its core utility operations. Gustafson directs the expansion and management of Avista's diverse business ventures, including its sheet metal fabrication services for industries such as computer, construction, and medical sectors, as well as its investments in commercial real estate and emerging technology venture capital funds. This leadership position involves identifying new market opportunities and fostering innovation across these non-utility segments. By driving these development projects, Mark Gustafson contributes to Avista's overall financial strength and diversification strategy. The President, Avista Development, Inc works to maximize returns on these investments, ensuring alignment with the company's long-term vision for sustainable growth and market leadership. Gustafson's focus is on cultivating new revenue streams and enhancing Avista's presence in varied industrial and technological landscapes.

    James Kensok - Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO

    James Kensok, the Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO at Avista, directs the company's comprehensive information technology strategy and robust security infrastructure. Kensok oversees the integration of advanced technological solutions to support Avista's core energy delivery operations across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska. This leadership role ensures the secure and efficient management of data, systems, and digital assets, crucial for maintaining uninterrupted electric and natural gas services. By architecting scalable IT frameworks, James Kensok supports the company's expansion into renewable energy sources and its diverse industrial fabrication ventures. The Chief Information Officer and CSO also champions cybersecurity initiatives, safeguarding critical infrastructure against evolving threats and ensuring regulatory compliance across all operational domains. Kensok's strategic vision drives technological innovation, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting Avista's commitment to its residential, commercial, and governmental customers.

    Alexis Alexander - Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer

    Alexis Alexander, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer at Avista, leads the company's technology infrastructure and cybersecurity defenses. Alexander is responsible for developing and implementing advanced IT strategies that support Avista's dual focus on providing essential electric and natural gas services and driving innovation in its industrial fabrication and commercial real estate sectors. This executive oversees the protection of sensitive company data and critical operational systems across all regions, including Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska. By ensuring robust security protocols, Alexis Alexander safeguards Avista's assets and maintains customer trust. The Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer also champions digital transformation initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling the company to adapt to evolving market demands. Alexander's leadership ensures technological resilience and security, underpinning Avista's mission to deliver reliable energy and pursue strategic growth opportunities.
    Alexis Alexander

    Bryan Cox - Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer, At Avista

    Bryan Cox, the Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer, At Avista, leads the critical functions of workplace safety and human capital management across the organization. Cox oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive safety programs designed to protect employees and ensure operational integrity throughout Avista's electric and natural gas service territories in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska. This executive also directs all human resources strategies, including talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and fostering a positive organizational culture. By prioritizing employee well-being and professional growth, Bryan Cox supports Avista's mission to provide reliable energy services and its broader business objectives. The Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer ensures compliance with safety regulations and cultivates a skilled, engaged workforce essential for the company's continued success and innovation in the energy sector and its diversified business units.
    Bryan Cox

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Avista Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Avista?
    Avista is led by Kevin Christie (Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer), along with executives such as Mark Gustafson (President, Avista Development, Inc) and James Kensok (Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO).
    Who is part of Avista’s executive team?
    The executive team of Avista includes leaders such as Kevin Christie (Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer), Mark Gustafson (President, Avista Development, Inc), James Kensok (Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Avista have?
    Avista has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Avista’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Avista includes roles such as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, President, Avista Development, Inc, Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO, Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer, Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer, At Avista.