8-K




UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________

FORM 8-K
____________

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) December 14, 2015
____________

Commission
File Number
Registrant; State of Incorporation
Address; and Telephone Number
I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.
 
 
 
001-31303
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
(A South Dakota Corporation)
625 Ninth Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Telephone 605.721.1700
46-0458824
____________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o     Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o     Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))    


    







Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On December 14, 2015, the Company announced the appointment of current Chief Operating Officer of Utilities, Linden R. Evans, to President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2016. Mr. Evans, age 53, has 14 years of service with the Company, most recently serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Utilities since 2004. David R. Emery, who has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since 2004, will continue as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. No changes were made in Mr. Evans’ compensation package at this time.

The press release announcing the appointment is filed as Exhibit 99 to this Form 8-K.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)    Exhibits

99
Press Release issued December 14, 2015







SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


 
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION, Registrant
 
 
 
By:/s/ Richard W. Kinzley
 
Richard W. Kinzley
 
Senior Vice President
 
and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
Date: December 16, 2015