In recognition of the significance of the company's most important asset--its people--the California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) Board of Governors approved creating a new Vice President, Human Resources position at its meeting last week. Noting that people strategy is integral to the ISO's ongoing success, the Board named Brenda Thomas, currently executive director of human resources, to the new executive position. The appointment of Thomas to the vice president position takes effect immediately. Thomas brings over 30 years of diverse human resources leadership and management experience to this new post.

Keith Casey, is the new Vice President, Market and Infrastructure Development at the California Independent System Operator Corporation. The appointment was made by the ISO Board of Governors last week and takes effect immediately. Dr. Casey was a part of the ISO start-up team in 1997 and has served as director of market monitoring, playing a key role in designing a new market that guards against manipulation and fosters healthy competition. In a separate move, the ISO evolved the position held by Vice President, External Affairs Karen Edson to Vice President, Policy and Client Services. She will continue to oversee external affairs while expanding her corporate strategic development scope.

California Independent System Operator Corporation Board of Governors voted unanimously in favor of building a permanent headquarters for the company. The $160 million project will exemplify the California ISO commitment to the environment. The 278,000 square foot building will be located on Iron Point Road in Folsom on 30 acres of land the ISO purchased in 2000. Completion date is March 2011. The leased space the ISO currently occupies in an older business park does not provide perimeter security and building access control is a concern. Additionally, the leased space does not adequately accommodate public and stakeholder forums, and employee workspace is overcrowded. The new facility lobby area will include a renewable power education center and a smart grid lab to showcase high-tech ways to conserve energy and tap consumer-controlled demand response. Security and space considerations are the driving forces behind the project.