GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS today appointed Samuel Allen Thompson to serve on the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) and simultaneously appointed current Commissioner Jo Ann Kelly chairman of the PUCN. Together, these appointments fill the vacancy that will be created by the departure of current Chairman Don Soderberg, whose resignation takes effect July 13th.

"Sam Thompson has outstanding credentials for a PUC commissioner. He has served as a judge, a judicial referee, a mediator and a regulator. He has earned a reputation for fairness by carefully listening to both sides of a case and making a decision based on solid principle. He is the exactly the sort of person who should represent Nevadans in utilities issues," said Governor Gibbons.

Samuel Thompson currently serves on the Nevada Transportation Authority, which regulates busses, taxicabs and household movers. Before he was appointed to the Authority last year, Thompson served on the Standing Committee on Judicial Ethics and Election Practices. His extensive background includes the practice of law, law enforcement, education, corrections, administration, training and mediation. He also served as judge for the General Sessions Court of Shelby County Tennessee, Division VI from 1990 until 1998. Thompson earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Cecil Humphery School of Law at the University of Memphis in 1984. He lives in Las Vegas.

"I'm honored that the governor has expressed his faith in my abilities by appointing me to this important position. I share Governor Gibbons' desire to develop renewable energy sources within Nevada, and I'm looking forward to working with the industry, the legislature and consumers to find the balance needed to foster the development of this energy for the benefit of all Nevadans," said Thompson.

Jo Ann Kelly shares an interest in developing renewable energy sources. Kelly has an extensive history of service in Nevada government, beginning with her appointment to the Nevada Welfare Board by Governor O'Callaghan and her reappointment by Governor List in the 1970s. Governor Richard Bryan first appointed her to the Public Utilities Commission (then known as the Public Service Commission) in 1985, making her the first commissioner to serve in the new Las Vegas office. She was re-appointed by Governor Bob Miller, and continued to serve as a commissioner until 1996. Governor Kenny Guinn brought her back to the Commission through his appointment in 2005. Governor Gibbons becomes the sixth governor to appoint her to a Nevada regulatory board and the fourth to appoint her to the PUCN.

"Jo Ann Kelly has vast experience in Nevada's energy matters," said Governor Gibbons. "We need that experience as we meet the challenges of building the infrastructure to support our continuing growth. I know Jo Ann shares my goal of an energy-independent Nevada, and her expertise in resource planning will be a significant factor in moving us in that direction."

"I appreciate the governor's confidence in me," Kelly said. "As our energy demand rises with our growth, we must ensure that our utility companies are building a supply system that can provide reliable power for Nevadans for generations to come. I am committed to making sure our consumers get that reliable power at the best possible price."

Kelly's chairmanship and Thompson's commission appointment both take effect July 13th.