Midwest ISO Names CEO Successor

CARMEL, Ind., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Midwest ISO today announced that John R. Bear, currently President and COO of the Midwest ISO, will succeed T. Graham Edwards as the CEO, effective January 16, 2009. Mr. Edwards will serve as President Emeritus through a transition period, which will be completed on April 1, 2009.

Mr. Edwards served as a member of the Midwest ISO Board of Directors since January 2001 and was named Chairman of the Board in April 2005. Named interim CEO in January 2006, he agreed to serve as permanent CEO in May 2006. Mr. Bear's succession of Mr. Edwards was a planned step in the Midwest ISO's executive leadership plan, of which a key component was completed in December 2007, when Mr. Bear was promoted to President.

"Having served on the Midwest ISO Board before assuming the role of CEO, I was well aware of my priorities for our company - ensuring safe and reliable transmission of electricity, demonstrating our value proposition and enriching our internal corporate and external stakeholder relationships," said Mr. Edwards. "I have had the privilege of working closely with John Bear over the past three years and am confident that he is ready to take over as our company's CEO."

"I want to thank Graham for his leadership, direction and invaluable contribution to the continuing success of our company," said John Bear. "I am honored and humbled by this opportunity and greatly appreciate the mentoring I have received from Graham and our Board of Directors."

Paul Feldman, the current Midwest ISO Chairman of the Board of Directors echoed Mr. Edwards sentiments, "On behalf of the Midwest ISO Board of Directors, I am extremely pleased that John will be assuming the position of CEO. He has played a critical role in the leadership and development of the Midwest ISO for the past four and a half years. His knowledge of our industry, together with his hands-on management experience, leadership capabilities and relationships with key stakeholders, make him the right person to lead the Midwest ISO forward as we enter the next phase in our industry's evolution." Mr. Feldman added, "Speaking for the Board and myself, I want to explicitly recognize Graham Edwards and the magnificent contribution he has made -- thank you Graham, you will be missed."

About the Midwest ISO

The Midwest ISO ensures reliable operation of, and equal access to, 93,600 miles of interconnected, high-voltage power lines in 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. The Midwest ISO manages one of the world's largest energy markets, clearing nearly $3 billion in energy transactions monthly. The Midwest ISO was approved as the nation's first regional transmission organization (RTO) in 2001. The non-profit 501(C)(4) organization is governed by an independent Board of Directors, and is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana with operations centers in Carmel and St. Paul, Minnesota. Membership in the organization is voluntary. For more information, visit www.midwestmarket.org.