New Opportunities:
Xcel Energy named Jacob P. Mercer assistant treasurer for the utility and its operating subsidiaries. Previously in his career in fixed-income research at Piper Jaffray, Mercer covered 28 publicly traded companies in the utility sector and developed extensive professional relationships with senior management teams throughout the utility industry.
Portland General Electric appointed Bill Valach director of investor relations. Valach has been with PGE for 14 years and has served in both the areas of financial analysis and corporate finance.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher appointed John S. Moot as the commission's general counsel. Moot has practiced at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP since 1992.