Alpha Natural Resources recently announced that Mike Quillen is retiring as chairman of the company’s board of directors and will assist in the development of Alpha’s new safety academy in Julian, W.Va., which the company will break ground on in June. Alpha’s CEO, Kevin Crutchfield, will succeed Quillen as chairman.
Westmoreland Coal Co. has appointed Robert P. King president and COO. Keith E. Alessi, Westmoreland’s current CEO and president, will continue in the role of CEO.
American Electric Power has appointed Pablo A. Vegas president and COO of AEP Ohio. He succeeds Joseph Hamrock, who is leaving for a position. Replacing Vegas on an interim basis as the chief information officer is Michael A. Rozsa, managing director—IT business applications.
Freedom Industries has appointed Doug Simmons senior vice president of sales and marketing.
Samuel Shrader, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mining and minerals engineering from Virginia Tech in 1963, is a 2012 inductee into Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering Academy of Engineering Excellence. He is joining an elite group of 112 individuals out of more than 58,000 living engineering alumni. Shrader developed two patents during his lifetime. One improved miners’ safety while also speeding up a sometimes grueling slow, stop-and-start process of opening narrow-entry mines. The device allowed for people handling roof bolters and also miners to work simultaneously, instead of each waiting on the other. Shrader also worked to ensure rights and benefits for his workers, above and beyond those promised by union representation.
FLSmidth announced that Christian Jepsen, group executive vice president, will retire at the end of July.
Eriez has appointed John Blicha marketing communications manager. The company also announced that Jaisen Kohmuench has been promoted to deputy managing director, Eriez Flotation Division—USA.
Brady Mining has appointed Gene Howland sales manager.
Mine Radio Systems (Pacific) Pty Ltd. has appointed Warren Dix western regional manager.
Hawk Measurement has appointed Jerry Boisvert a mining specialist.
Skelly and Loy has appointed Daniel L. Miller a wastewater/water systems design engineer to work in the firm’s Pittsburgh, Pa., and Morgantown, W.Va., offices.
