COLUMBUS, Ohio — The shareholders of Northwest Bancshares Inc. voted to elect Pablo Vegas to the Northwest Bancshares Inc. Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Vegas will become the twelfth member, following a vote at the Northwest Bancshares, Inc. annual meeting of Shareholders.

“The election of Mr. Vegas reflects the importance of continuously improving the experience and expertise of the board required to provide the necessary oversight of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. in an increasingly complex industry,” said Tim Fannin, lead director, Northwest Bancshares, Board of Directors. “We look forward to the competencies, guidance and insights that Mr. Vegas will bring to the board.”

Vegas serves as executive vice president, chief operating officer and president of Utilities for NiSource, Inc., a utility company serving customers across six states. He has overall responsibility for NiSource’s gas and electric business segments, environmental and sustainability initiatives, federal government affairs, and regulatory functions.