Nevada Power
Contact: Sonya Headen
Phone: 702-367-5222

For Immediate Release

Las Vegas, Nev. -- Walt Higgins, chairman and CEO of Sierra Pacific Resources and president of Nevada Power Company, announced today the appointment of Donald"Pat" Shalmy as senior vice president of Nevada Power Company effective May 28.

"Pat is a highly respected and experienced leader in southern Nevada," Higgins said."As we turn our focus to the future of Nevada Power, I can't think of a more qualified individual to help our company build the confidence of customers and business and community leaders."

Shalmy will be responsible for a number of different areas including customer service, major accounts, distribution services, government affairs, economic development and community relations.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and to addressing the issues facing the company," Shalmy said."Traditionally, Nevada Power has been a wonderful contributor and vital part of this community and I'm anxious to help restore and build on those relationships."

He joins the company from Kummer, Kaempfer, Bonner&Renshaw Ltd. where he served as director of government and community relations. Prior to assuming that position, he was president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the third largest chamber in the United States. From 1979 to 1997 Shalmy worked for Clark County, Nevada where he served as director of comprehensive planning until 1984 when he was appointed county manager.

Shalmy is active in the local community and holds a number of leadership positions with several organizations including the United Way of Southern Nevada, the Boulder Dam Area Boy Scouts of America, Las Vegas Boys and Girls Club, St. Rose Dominican Hospital Foundation and the Nevada Test Site Development Corporation.

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