APS' Donna Phipps Announces Retirement

February 2, 2009

After 31 years of serving APS customers and the community in a variety of positions, Community Development manager Donna Phipps has announced her retirement, effective March 31.

Phipps, who has held her current position since 1997, has been responsible for developing and maintaining effective working relationships with key business and community leaders in the areas of Yuma, Somerton, Parker, Quartzsite, Salome, San Luis, Cibola, Ehrenberg, Wenden and Harquahala. She also was charged with implementing local community relations efforts on behalf of APS.

Serving a vital role for both APS and the communities in which she served, Phipps has made a lasting impact.

"Donna has played an integral role in the community as the face and the voice of APS," said Jim Valenzuela, APS Director of Southern Arizona Delivery. "Her leadership, professionalism, and can-do attitude are hallmarks of her tenure. Although we will miss her as part of the APS family and want to thank and congratulate her for her endless contributions, we know that she will continue to be a vital member of the Yuma region."

A native of Yuma, Phipps started her employment with APS in 1978 in customer service, moving from several departments including construction, engineering and administration, all leading to her current position.

Phipps has been the recipient of numerous awards for her service to APS and the communities she serves. She received the Athena Award for professional excellence which included taking the time to mentor other women, encouraging them to achieve their full potential.

An avid equestrian, Donna is looking forward to riding her horses both for leisure and in competition; she also looks forward to spending more time with her family. She plans to continue her work with the Sunstone Cancer Resource Center and will continue to be an active participant in the community.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

Jenna Henry, (602) 250-4403