Richard Mathias, the Illinois Commerce Commission chairman and the state's top utility regulator, plans to resign his post later this year, according to a letter submitted to Gov. George Ryan. Mathias will be replaced by Kevin Wright, currently Ryan's deputy chief of staff, pending confirmation from the Illinois Senate. Mathias was appointed chairman in mid-1998 by former Gov. James Edgar.

American Electric Power has named Bruce Baine vice president for strategic policy analysis. Braine will direct the analysis of federal and state energy and environmental policies. He was most recently vice president - strategic planning and analysis from 2000-2001.

Larry Schmid has been named chief financial officer of Great River Energy. Schmid has served as manager of financial services for Greta River Energy since January, 1999, having joined Great River Energy in 1978 as a budget analyst. Other subsequent positions have included manager of accounting, and director of finance and administration.

Vectren has appointed Robert L. Goocher vice president and treasurer of the energy and applied technology holding company, which has electricity and gas delivery subsidiaries in Indiana and west central Ohio. Goocher was most recently treasurer of Gidsouth Transco, the regional tranmsission organization (RTO). John Erickson has been named chairman and chief executive of Otter Tail Corp. Erickson, a 22-year company employee, will replace John MacFarlane who will continue as chairman of Otter Tail's board. Erickson was named executive vice president in June 2000.Thomas F. Bonner has been named vice president for gas transportation for Washington Gas. Bonner founded Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., a company serving owners and operators of underground infrastructure in 2001. From 1991 to 2000, he served in several executive capacities in the distribution and operations areas, including vice president of operations at Boston Gas Company.ferc oversight appointee