BISMARCK, N.D. — Bismarck, North Dakota-based MDU Resources Group Inc. has promoted Nicole Kivisto as its president and CEO of the corporation's utility group companies.

That operation includes Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., Great Plains Natural Gas Co., Cascade Natural Gas Corp. and Intermountain Gas Co.

The companies serve more than 1 million electric and natural gas customers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

Kivisto replaces K. Frank Morehouse, who has resigned.

She has been vice president of operations for Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. and Great Plains Natural Gas Co. for the past year. Kivisto previously was vice president, controller and chief accounting officer for MDU Resources Group.

She joined the company in 1995 and has held a number of positions.

Kivisto is a native of Beulah, North Dakota.