Pueblo, Colorado — March 24, 2022 — Black Hills Energy today named Kellie Ashcraft to the position of vice president of the company’s Colorado electric and gas operations, serving over 300,000 customers in 120 communities across the state. Ashcraft’s appointment is effective immediately and part of a planned succession for the retirement of state leader Vance Crocker in June.

“Kellie Ashcraft is an outstanding leader and her promotion to vice president of Colorado operations is a natural progression in her leadership journey at Black Hills Energy and reflective of her deep commitment to our customers, our employees and our communities,” said Linn Evans, CEO and president of Black Hills Corp. “She brings 30 years of utility experience to the role, having served most recently as director of operations for our Colorado Gas and Rocky Mountain Natural Gas utilities.”

“As we mark this leadership transition in Colorado, I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to Vance Crocker who is retiring after 32 years of service to Black Hills Energy,” said Evans. “We are grateful to Vance for his visionary leadership and passion for service. He leaves us well positioned to serve the growing needs of our Colorado customers as we work together to create a cleaner energy future.” 

Ashcraft will lead an employee team of over 400 individuals who work each day to provide safe and reliable energy to families and businesses across Black Hills Energy’s geographically diverse Colorado service territory. 

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and talented team here in Colorado as we work together to deliver essential energy to our customers,” said Ashcraft. “I’m committed to listen, learn and build relationships to help our customers and communities thrive.”

Ashcraft resides in Pueblo and will have offices in Pueblo and Fountain which are the headquarters for our electric and gas operations.