NiSource Names Jim Stanley Executive Vice President and Group CEO for NIPSCO

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) today announced that Jim L. Stanley will join the company on Oct. 1 as executive vice president and group CEO for Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO), a NiSource-owned utility serving more than 786,000 natural gas customers and 457,000 electric customers across the northern third of Indiana. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120829/DE64517 ) 

"Jim Stanley brings extensive Indiana utility leadership experience to NIPSCO's ongoing efforts to strengthen customer service, enhance reliability, and execute on major new environmental and infrastructure investment programs," NiSource President and CEO Robert C. Skaggs Jr. said.  "Jim's expertise, combined with his collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to integrity and transparency make him a great fit for this role. I am confident he will engage our entire Indiana employee team, our customers and key stakeholders in continuing to move NIPSCO forward."

Stanley succeeds Jimmy D. Staton, who has led both NIPSCO and NiSource's gas transmission and storage (NGT&S) operations.   With Stanley's appointment, Staton will serve exclusively as executive vice president and group CEO for NGT&S, focusing on a broad array of customer service, growth and infrastructure initiatives at the company.

"Jimmy's compelling vision, tireless leadership and straightforward approach have put our NIPSCO team on the path to success," Skaggs said.  "As a continued strong member of our corporate senior leadership team, I know Jimmy will stay in close contact with many friends and coworkers in Indiana, even as he now focuses his energies on leading our important business strategies at NGT&S."

Stanley comes to NiSource after serving in a variety of senior executive positions in the utility industry, most recently as senior vice president and chief distribution officer for Duke Energy's U.S. electric business.  In this role, he had oversight of the electric distribution system for the company's five-state service area.  Previously, he served as president of Duke Energy Indiana, the state's largest electric service provider.  His 35-year career with PSI Energy, Cinergy and Duke Energy includes assignments in a variety of departments from accounting to human resources to operations management. 

"As someone with lifelong ties to northern Indiana, I truly value the tremendous progress Jimmy and the team have made in strengthening the NIPSCO's operating and customer service performance, engaging stakeholders and inspiring pride in the company and the region it serves," Stanley said.  "It's clear NIPSCO is committed to being Indiana's premier utility company, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to be a part of that effort."

Stanley has served in leadership roles in a number of Indiana community and business organizations, including the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana Manufacturing Association and the Indiana Energy Association.  He also serves on the executive advisory board of the Miller College of Business at Ball State University.  Growing up in Portage, Ind., Stanley attended Ball State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. 

Stanley will be based in Merrillville, Ind., reporting to Skaggs and serving as a member of NiSource's executive management council.  Stanley's executive leadership team includes NIPSCO President Kathleen O'Leary, NIPSCO Chief Operating Officer Mike Finissi and NIPSCO Chief Financial Officer Pete Disser.

About NiSource

NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), based in Merrillville, Ind., is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. Information about NiSource and its subsidiaries is available via the Internet at www.nisource.com. NI-F

About NIPSCO

NIPSCO, with headquarters in Merrillville, Ind., is one of the seven energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). With more than 786,000 natural gas customers and 457,000 electric customers across the northern third of Indiana, NIPSCO is the largest natural gas distribution company, and the second largest electric distribution company, in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers primarily in seven states. More information about NIPSCO is available at www.nipsco.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of NiSource and its management. Although NiSource believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its goals will be achieved. Readers are cautioned that the forward-looking statements in this release are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and that actual results could differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the matters set forth in the "Risk Factors" Section and the Note regarding forward-looking statements in NiSource's 2011 Form 10-K, many of which are risks beyond the control of NiSource.  NiSource expressly disclaims a duty to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release.

SOURCE NiSource Inc.