Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), announced today the selection of three Indiana-based leaders to oversee key business functions aimed to further enhance the company’s efforts to improve service to the nearly 1.2 million electric and natural gas customers across northern Indiana. The appointments are effective immediately.
“The NIPSCO leadership team is continually focused on improving and delivering enhanced value for our customers,” NIPSCO president Violet Sistovaris said. “I am confident the combined experience of these leaders will strengthen our core business functions for all of our customers.”
Michael W. Hooper has been named senior vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs and strategy, responsible for the company’s regulatory and legislative activities and formulating NIPSCO’s strategic vision and plans. Hooper is replacing Frank Shambo who will be retiring at the end of the year. Hooper brings extensive electric operations, budgeting and major project management experience to the role and will have offices in Indianapolis and Merrillville. Joining NIPSCO in February 2011, Hooper has served as its senior vice president of electric operations and vice president of major projects since then. Hooper earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the West Virginia Institute of Technology.
Benjamin F. Felton has been named senior vice president of electric operations, responsible for NIPSCO’s electric power delivery and generation operations. Felton brings strong electric operations and leadership experience to the role. He will be based in Merrillville. Felton joined NIPSCO in December 2015 as its vice president of power delivery. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration from the Gainey School of Business at Spring Arbor University.
Paul Kelly has been promoted to vice president of major accounts. Kelly brings strong accounting, customer service and legal experience to the role. He will be based in Merrillville. Kelly joined NiSource as a consultant on regulatory issues in 2004 and NIPSCO’s regulatory team in 2010. He was named director of federal regulatory policy in 2012. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bob Jones University and a juris doctor degree from Valparaiso University.
“Customer energy needs and expectations continue to evolve and I’m excited for the unique experience and background each of these leaders bring as we work to better serve our customers and communities,” Sistovaris said.