Avista Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Avista has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial strategy, security, human resources, and business development.

Focused on delivering reliable energy solutions, Avista maintains a commitment to sustainable infrastructure and regional utility excellence across the United States.

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 fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Christie oversees financial reporting, treasury operations, and investor relations to ensure sustained growth across the utility segments. By directing the capital budgeting process, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer supports the expansion of renewable energy projects and essential infrastructure maintenance. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to optimize rate structures and maintain strong credit ratings. Kevin Christie drives the financial planning necessary for the company's investments in commercial real estate and emerging technology ventures. Through rigorous oversight of cash flow and debt management, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer secures the resources required for long-term operational stability. Christie ensures that all financial activities align with the strategic mission of providing reliable energy services to customers throughout the service territories.
    Kevin Christie

    Mark Gustafson - President, Avista Development, Inc

    Mark Gustafson, the President, Avista Development, Inc at Avista, leads the strategic growth of the company's non-utility business segments. Gustafson manages the portfolio of commercial real estate investments and venture capital funds focused on emerging technologies. By identifying new market opportunities, the President, Avista Development, Inc expands the company's footprint beyond traditional energy services. This leadership role involves overseeing the sheet metal fabrication division, which serves sectors ranging from telecom to medical devices. Mark Gustafson drives the diversification of revenue streams by leveraging the company's expertise in infrastructure and industrial processes. Through the management of strategic partnerships, the President, Avista Development, Inc enhances the overall value of the corporate portfolio. Gustafson ensures that all development activities remain consistent with the company's long-term financial objectives and commitment to regional economic growth. By focusing on innovation and market expansion, the President, Avista Development, Inc supports the broader mission of providing essential services and sustainable value.

    James Kensok - Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO

    James Kensok, the Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO at Avista, directs the digital transformation of utility operations. Kensok manages the enterprise-wide information technology architecture, ensuring robust data protection across the Pacific Northwest service territories. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, the Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO safeguards critical energy infrastructure against evolving digital threats. This leadership role involves coordinating with internal stakeholders to modernize grid management systems and enhance customer-facing digital platforms. James Kensok drives the integration of secure cloud solutions to support the company's diverse energy generation facilities. Through the oversight of complex network security, the Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO maintains operational continuity for residential and commercial clients. Kensok prioritizes the alignment of technological investments with long-term utility reliability goals, ensuring that all digital assets remain resilient and efficient within the broader energy market.

    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, architects the physical and digital security frameworks protecting the utility's generation assets. Alexander manages the convergence of operational technology and information security to prevent unauthorized access to the power grid. By overseeing the deployment of advanced monitoring systems, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer mitigates risks associated with the company's hydroelectric and wind generation facilities. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional emergency response teams to ensure the integrity of the energy distribution network. Alexis Alexander drives the implementation of comprehensive security policies that protect sensitive customer data and critical infrastructure. Through the management of enterprise-wide security initiatives, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer maintains compliance with industry standards. Alexander ensures that all security protocols support the company's commitment to providing safe and uninterrupted energy services across the service regions.
    Alexis Alexander

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

    Bryan Cox, the Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer, At Avista at Avista, directs the human capital strategy and workplace safety culture. Cox manages talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational health initiatives to support the company's diverse workforce. By implementing rigorous safety standards across all utility operations, the Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer, At Avista ensures that field crews and office staff maintain the highest levels of operational excellence. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that attracts skilled professionals to the energy sector. Bryan Cox drives the alignment of workforce capabilities with the company's evolving needs in renewable energy and sheet metal fabrication. Through the oversight of performance management and leadership training, the Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer, At Avista strengthens the organizational foundation. Cox ensures that all human resources policies promote a culture of safety and innovation, directly impacting the company's ability to deliver essential services to customers.
    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.