COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 4, 2001 – Melinda Ackerman has been appointed senior vice president of human resources at American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP), effective April 1.

Ackerman has served as vice president – human resources services and operations since 1998. She succeeds Rodney B. Plimpton, who will retire in June.

“Melinda’s hard work has been an invaluable asset to AEP’s human resources department,” said Joseph H. Vipperman, executive vice president. “Her commitment and skills assure AEP she will continue the fine efforts started by her predecessor, Rod.”

Ackerman began her career at AEP in 1965 at Kentucky Power and has held various positions. In addition to human resources, her professional experience includes customer service, marketing, public affairs, power generation and mining operations.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Morehead State University in Kentucky.

Other appointments effective April 1 include:

• Mark Welch, human resources director – wholesale, will succeed Ackerman as vice president – human resources services and operations. Welch joined AEP in 1980 as a labor attorney. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1974 from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and a juris doctor degree from Ohio State University in Columbus.

• Timothy G. Harshbarger, director – corporate human resources, will serve as vice president – human resources strategy and development. Harshbarger began his career with AEP in 1984 as a project manager in the nuclear operations division, providing technical and management support to Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in natural resources and environmental science from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.