Debbie Simock honored for work in starting the foundation SPOKANE, Wash., May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avista Foundation President Anne Marie Axworthy announced that Kristine A.K. Meyer has been named executive director of the foundation. Founding executive director Debbie Simock has been named communication manager, Avista Corp., and will have responsibilities within Avista's corporate communications area. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040128/SFW031LOGO ) "Debbie was instrumental in conducting the extensive due diligence and initial research upon which the foundation was created," said Axworthy. "She has a passion and commitment to positively and meaningfully impact the communities Avista serves. Her work with the foundation was instrumental in creating a legacy for our company that will benefit many for years to come." Kristine Meyer joined Avista in 2000 as a claims assistant. She became business and public policy coordinator in 2002 and joined the Avista Foundation in 2006 as associate executive director. Meyer is a 1996 graduate of Gonzaga University and a 1999 graduate of Gonzaga Law School. "We are very excited to have Kristi move into this role with the foundation," Axworthy said. "She brings a diversity of experience in Avista's community outreach and economic vitality work that will be valuable as we move forward with corporate philanthropy." The Avista Foundation, established in 2002, focuses its giving on grants that strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for people served by Avista Utilities in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, southern Oregon and Sanders County, Montana. The foundation focuses its giving in the areas of: -- education -- K-12 education particularly in the fields of science, math and technology; and higher education including scholarships, -- vulnerable and limited income populations -- providing assistance to those on limited incomes and support for initiatives to reduce poverty, -- economic and cultural vitality -- supporting projects that help communities and citizens to grow and prosper. Information on the Avista Foundation is available at http://www.avistafoundation.org/ . The Avista Foundation is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp. The foundation does not receive funding from Avista Utilities ratepayers. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040128/SFW031LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Avista Corp. CONTACT: Jessie Wuerst of Avista Corp., +1-509-495-8578, or , or Avista 24/7 Media Access, +1-509-495-4174 Web site: http://www.avistacorp.com/ http://www.avistafoundation.org/

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