NiSource Executive Vice-president and group CEO Eileen O’Neill Odum has announced that she is resigning her position at the end of the month to spend more time with her family.

In a statement released today, NiSource President and CEO Robert Skaggs said that Jimmy D. Staton, a NiSource executive with an extensive background in the electric and gas utility business, will take the reins of the company’s Indiana utilities. Staton currently serves as executive vice president and group CEO of NiSource’s gas distribution business.

He will assume the added responsibility of leading the NiSource Indiana utilities, including Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), effective March 1.

Odum has led NiSource’s Indiana business unit since December 2007. During her tenure, NiSource’s Indiana utilities addressed a number of critical business challenges, including managing effects of the economic recession and filing NIPSCO’s first electric rate case in 20 years.

“Our Indiana team’s ability to make progress in the face of a series of daunting challenges helped instill confidence in our business and provided the groundwork for future growth,” Skaggs said.

“I join our entire NiSource team in thanking Eileen for her contributions and wishing her family well.”

“Jimmy Staton has a strong track record of implementing successful customer assistance and energy efficiency programs, regulatory initiatives and infrastructure enhancement strategies,” Skaggs said.

“Jimmy will bring focused, engaging leadership to his new role developing collaborative and innovative energy solutions that benefit our customers and employees in Indiana, and NiSource as a whole.”

Staton reports to Skaggs and serves as a member of NiSource’s executive management council.

Posted 2/19/2010