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New Positions:

Southern Co. appointed Chris Hobson senior vice president of environmental affairs, reporting to Charles Goodman, the company's newly named senior vice president of environmental policy and research. Hobson currently serves as vice president of environmental affairs for Southern Co. subsidiary Georgia Power.

The World Association of Nuclear Operators selected a new chairman, naming Progress Energy Chairman William Cavanaugh to the role. Cavanaugh, who recently retired as president and CEO of Progress, will assume his new role in July.

Allegheny Energy named Mike Adams vice president of quality. He comes to Allegheny from Microsoft, where he was director of global performance excellence. The company also named Suzanne C. Lewis vice president and treasurer. She has been with Allegheny since September 2003.

The Northeast Utilities Board of Trustees appointed Charles W. Shivery chairman, president, and CEO of the company, making him the company's sixth chairman in its history. Shivery has been serving as interim president since the beginning of the year.

Donald C. Hintz, president of Entergy Corp., has been nominated to join the company's board of directors. Shareholders will vote on the nomination May 14.

The Western Electricity Coordinating Council appointed Steven L. Rueckert as director of member planning support. He previously served as staff engineer for the council.