Avista Corporation (Avista), an energy company, announced the appointment of Jason Thackston as its vice president, finance. Thackston will retain his responsibilities in the areas of corporate development and investor relations. Avista also announced that Diane Thoren has been appointed as treasurer. Earlier, Thoren served as assistant treasurer for the company. He joined the company in 1975 as accounting analyst.
Thackston was with Avista for 13 years and has held leadership roles in energy resources, resource accounting and financial planning. He received Bachelor of Arts degree from Whitworth University with a major in international studies and business management. Thackston also holds Master of Business Administration degree from Gonzaga University. Thackston worked on the boards of the YMCA of the Inland Northwest, the Northwest Business Development Association and the Business Development Corporation of Eastern Washington.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to move Jason into this position within our company. His experiences in strategic planning, financial management and corporate development are great assets for us,” said Avista. Senior vice president and chief financial officer Mark Thies in announcing the appointment. “Jason has demonstrated great strength as a leader and will be a valuable addition to our executive team.”
Ann Wilson vice president, finance and treasurer intends to resign form the company in order to spend more time with her family.
“We want to thank Ann for her 12 years of service to Avista. Her leadership in finance and treasury played an important role in building the financial strength of our company,” Thies said. “We wish her the very best as she takes this opportunity to spend more time with her young sons and her husband.”
During Thoren’s tenure with the company, she served in various roles in finance, in the areas of budgeting, subsidiary accounting and treasury. Thoren received Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Washington State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from Eastern Washington University. She serves on the board for the Women Helping Women Fund and is a member of the investment committee for the Inland Northwest Community Foundation.
“Diane has extensive experience working with the capital markets and our credit rating agencies, among others,” said Thies. “She is well-respected in the financial community. Her depth of knowledge and breadth of experience will bring additional value to our company’s financial stability.”