Reliant Energy's Don D. Jordan retired from his position as chairman of the board Dec. 31. R. Steve Letbetter, who had served as president and chief executive officer since June, has been named chairman, president and chief executive officer. Jordan served as CEO of Reliant Energy and its predecessor companies for 23 years, one of the longest tenures as a chief executive among major companies in Houston and in the energy business.
Matthew C. Cordaro has been appointed president and CEO of the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator. Cordaro's career spans over 30 years as a senior executive in both the utility and independent power industries. He was most recently president and CEO of Nashville Electric Service, one of the 10-largest public electric utilities in the nation.
Gov. Jesse Ventura has appointed Commissioner Gregory Scott as chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Scott replaces Edward Garvey, who resigned but will complete his term as a member of the commission. Scott has been a member of the PUC since 1997, prior to which he was a trial lawyer handling regulatory issues with the Minneapolis law firm of Messerli and Kramer.
Lester H. Loble, II, vice president, general counsel and secretary of MDU Resources Group Inc., has received the American Corporate Counsel Association's 1999 Excellence in Corporate Practice Award. ACCA established the national award in 1996 to recognize the achievements of in-house counsel who excel in the areas of community, public service and advancement of the profession.