AGL Resources today announced several organizational changes, including the creation of a new Office of Technology and Environmental Sustainability. This new organization will be responsible for assessing the technological and fiscal feasibility of environmental-related business opportunities central to natural gas and bio-mass energy, as well as identifying and developing other business opportunities for sustainable, renewable and new technology energy projects.

"The focus on environmentally responsible energy choices and the subsequent economic impact is becoming increasingly more important to the daily lives of Americans," said John Somerhalder, chairman, president and CEO, AGL Resources. "This new organization will help us focus on energy efficiency and sustainable energy alternatives and position the company for future growth in those areas."

The Office of Technology and Environmental Sustainability will be instrumental in the development of renewable gas projects, as well as commercialization of energy technology, such as natural gas vehicles, residential fuel cells and micro combined heat and power. In addition, the organization will direct and coordinate corporate greenhouse gas and climate change responses and strategies, and will support all ongoing and new environmental and sustainability initiatives for the organization.

Ira Pearl, currently vice president, Engineering Services & Supply Chain, will lead this new organization as vice president, Technology and Environmental Sustainability. Pearl will continue to report to Ralph Cleveland, executive vice president, Engineering and Operations.

Pearl brings more than 20 years of engineering, operations, energy and environmental affairs experience to this role. Since joining AGL Resources in 2005, Pearl has led the Engineering Services and Supply Chain team. Prior to joining the company, Pearl held several executive positions at Delta Air Lines. Pearl is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy Submarine Force.

Jay Sutton, currently vice president and general manager, Florida City Gas and Coastal Georgia, is promoted to vice president, Engineering and Supply Chain Services. In this new role, Sutton will lead several departments including engineering, construction, supply chain management, fleet, occupational health, safety, crisis management and business continuity planning. Sutton will also report to Ralph Cleveland.

An engineer by training, Sutton brings 24 years of diverse company experience to his position. Prior to his current position, Sutton served as director, Strategic Alliances, and has also held numerous engineering leadership positions. Sutton received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Clemson University and is a registered professional engineer in the state of Georgia.

Melvin Williams, currently assistant general manager, Coastal Region, is promoted to general manager, Florida City Gas and Coastal Georgia. In this role, Williams will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and market development of Florida City Gas and the Coastal Georgia region of Atlanta Gas Light, including financial performance, ensuring compliance and building strong community relationships. Williams will report to Suzanne Sitherwood, senior vice president, Southern Operations.

Williams brings nearly 20 years of company experience to his new role. Prior to his current role, Williams served as director, State Regulatory Affairs, and has held positions in new business development and marketing. Williams is a graduate of Savannah State University where he earned his bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources , an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves approximately 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. As a 70 percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. The company also owns and operates Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, a high-deliverability natural gas storage facility near the Henry Hub in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: tgerke@aglresources.com

SOURCE: AGL Resources