HOUSTON, May 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) today announced that Carla Kneipp, currently vice president of Investor Relations, has been appointed vice president and Treasurer. In addition to leading the company's treasury function, Kneipp will retain management responsibility for Investor Relations.

"The company's treasury function is critical to the success of our business," said Gary L. Whitlock, executive vice president and chief financial officer of CenterPoint Energy. "Carla will provide strong leadership to ensure we effectively execute the company's financing strategy and that we continue to have an efficient and effective treasury operation. In addition, she will provide an excellent interface to the broader financial community and our investors."

Before joining CenterPoint Energy in 2007 as vice president of Internal Audit, Kneipp was vice president of Internal Audit and Control for BMC Software, Inc. where she managed the global internal audit functions and Sarbanes Oxley compliance program. She was also a tax and audit consultant for Coopers & Lybrand, LLP and Price Waterhouse LLP.

Kneipp earned a bachelor's degree in Managerial Studies from Rice University as well as a master's degree in Accounting from Rice University's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. She is also a graduate of the University of Idaho's Utility Executive Course and is a member of their advisory council.

Kneipp serves on a number of boards including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston, United Way Women's Initiative Steering Committee and Dress for Success Houston Corporate Guild. She also volunteers with RAVA (Rice Alumni Volunteers for Admission).

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution and energy services operations. The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. The company also owns a 54.7 percent limited partner interest in Enable Midstream Partners, a publicly traded master limited partnership it jointly controls with OGE Energy Corp., which owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With more than 8,500 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 140 years. For more information, visit the website at www.CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
Leticia Lowe
Phone      713.207.7702
Investors:
Carla Kneipp
Phone      713.207.6500

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.