William J. Post Joins First Solar Board of Directors

First Solar Inc. announced the election of William J. Post to its board of directors.

Post is the former chairman of the board of Arizona Public Service (APS) and former chairman of the board and CEO of its parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation. Post joined APS in 1973, became president and CEO of APS and president of Pinnacle West in February 1997, and was named chairman of the board of both companies in February 2001.

“Bill Post is a valuable addition to our board, both for his electric power industry experience and as a champion of sustainable business,” said Rob Gillette, First Solar CEO. “Under Bill’s leadership, Pinnacle West and APS became leaders in sustainability. APS developed a mission to advance business practices that improve the economy, environment and community to create a more sustainable future. He will help First Solar achieve its mission to create enduring value by enabling a world powered by clean, affordable solar electricity.”

Post was elected to the board at the First Solar annual shareholders meeting on June 1, 2010. He currently serves on the boards of Translational Genomics Research Institute, and the Thunderbird School of International Management. He is chairman of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and chairman of the board of trustees of Arizona State University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in 1973.

In addition to his corporate work, Mr. Post has also been very active in the community, serving as chairman of the Business Coalition, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, United Way Campaign, and as a director for many other civic organizations. He has received numerous awards and honors including the National Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League and an honorary doctorate of letters from Northern Arizona University.