Southwest Gas Corporation Announces Election of A. Randall Thoman as Director, Management Retirement, and Officer Promotions

LAS VEGAS, July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On July 27, 2010, A. Randall Thoman, 58, was elected as a director of Southwest Gas Corporation (the "Company") (NYSE: SWX).  The election of Mr. Thoman increases the number of directors from twelve to thirteen.  As a director, he will serve on the Audit and Pension Plan Investment Committees of the Company's Board of Directors ("Board").  Mr. Thoman's compensation as a member of the Board will be as outlined in the Company's 2010 Proxy Statement for other directors.

Mr. Thoman received his degree in accounting from the University of Utah and was a Certified Public Accountant for approximately 30 years.  He began his career with Deloitte & Touche LLP and became a Partner in June 1991.  For 15 years, Mr. Thoman was the Partner with primary responsibility for the technical interpretation, application of accounting principles and audit standards, and review of all reporting issues and financial statements for Nevada companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Mr. Thoman retired from Deloitte & Touche LLP in October 2009.

On July 26, 2010, George C. Biehl, Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, announced his resignation as the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary effective August 11, 2010.  Mr. Biehl will assist the Company and his successors with the transition of his responsibilities, with the intent of retiring as Executive Vice President near year-end 2010.  Mr. Biehl joined the Company in 1990 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  He assumed the responsibilities as Corporate Secretary for the Company in 1996 and was named Executive Vice President in 2000.  He was elected to the Southwest Gas Board of Directors in 1998 and served on the Board until May of 2010.  

On July 27, 2010, the Company announced the following promotions of several officers related to Mr. Biehl's planned retirement.  All of the officer promotions will become effective August 11, 2010.  Assuming Mr. Biehl's duties as the Company's principal financial officer, Roy R. Centrella will be promoted to Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of the Company.  Mr. Centrella began his career with the Company in 1983 as a Supervisor in Accounting.  During his career at the Company, he has held various managerial and executive roles in the organization including Manager/Accounting, Director/Accounting, Assistant Controller, Controller, and Vice President/Controller/Chief Accounting Officer.  Mr. Centrella holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton, as well as a master's degree in business administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Gregory J. Peterson will replace Mr. Centrella as the Company's Chief Accounting Officer and hold the title of Vice President/Controller/Chief Accounting Officer.  Mr. Peterson began his career with Southwest Gas in 1993, as Supervisor/Accounting/Technical.  His career progressed, holding positions as Manager/Accounting, Senior Manager/Financial Reporting, and Assistant Controller.  Prior to joining the Company, he worked several years in the audit division at Arthur Andersen, LLP.  He holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Karen S. Haller will assume Mr. Biehl's Corporate Secretary duties and hold the title of Vice President/General Counsel, Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary of the Company. Ms. Haller began her career with Southwest Gas in 1997, as a Senior Attorney and has held positions of Associate General Counsel, Assistant General Counsel, Assistant General Counsel and Director/Legal Affairs, Vice President/Deputy General Counsel and Compliance Officer, and Vice President/General Counsel and Compliance Officer.  She holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Wyoming, as well as a juris doctorate degree from Cornell Law School.  She is a member of the State Bars of Arizona, California, and Nevada.

In addition, Edward A. Janov will assume the role of Senior Vice President/Corporate Development.  Mr. Janov joined Southwest Gas in 1986 as Specialist/Rates.  During his career, he has served as Assistant Controller, Controller/Chief Accounting Officer, Vice President/Controller/Chief Accounting Officer, Vice President/Finance/Treasurer, Vice President/Finance, and Senior Vice President/Finance.  He holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Kings College and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Kenneth J. Kenny, will be named Vice President/Finance and Treasurer.  Mr. Kenny joined the Company in 1988 as an Accountant/Tax, and his career has progressed through various positions including Senior Accountant/Tax, Supervisor/Accounting/Technical, Manager/Treasury Services, Senior Manager/Corporate Planning, Senior Manager/Financial Services, Assistant Treasurer/Director Financial Services, Treasurer, and Vice President/Treasurer.  He holds dual bachelor's degrees in accounting and finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Laura Lopez Hobbs will be promoted to Vice President/Administration which includes Corporate Human Resources, Shareholder Services, Corporate Administrative Services, Energy Services and Corporate Communications, and Corporate Policies and Procedures.  She began her career with Southwest Gas as an Analyst in Human Resources and has held the positions of Administrator/Benefits, Specialist/Investor Relations, Manager/Investor Relations, Senior Manager/Human Resources, Director/Human Resources, and Vice President/Human Resources.  She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in business administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

SOURCE Southwest Gas Corporation