2007-04-19 20:18:15 -
BERWICK, Pa., April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Saccone, vice president-Nuclear Operations for PPL Corporation's Susquehanna nuclear power plant near Berwick, Pa., will retire later this year after 34 years with the company.
Neil Gannon, a 32-year veteran in the nuclear industry and most recently site vice president for Progress Energy in North Carolina, will join the Susquehanna management team on April 30 as Saccone's successor. Saccone will be working closely with Gannon for several months to ensure a smooth transition period.
"Bob has been with Susquehanna since the plant was in
its infancy and has been an integral part of its growth in many ways," said Britt McKinney, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. "His ability to work with people is one of his most outstanding qualities. He's been a good leader and a good friend to plant employees.
"We will truly miss him and wish him a happy and healthy retirement," he said.
As vice president-Nuclear Operations, Saccone is responsible for the safe and reliable operation and maintenance of PPL's two-unit, 2,360-megawatt Susquehanna plant. He has served in his current position since 2004.
Saccone started his career with PPL in 1973 at the Martins Creek power plant and has held numerous positions of responsibility since he was assigned to the Susquehanna plant during its startup phase in 1979.
He is chairman of the board of the Northern Pennsylvania Section of the American Nuclear Society, a not-for-profit international, scientific and educational organization that helps its members develop and safely apply nuclear science and technology by sharing knowledge, developing professionals and enhancing public understanding.
Gannon comes to Susquehanna from Progress Energy where he most recently served as site vice president for the company's Harris nuclear plant near New Hill, N.C., and earlier for its Brunswick nuclear plant near Southport, N.C.
Before becoming site vice president, Gannon served in various management capacities at the plant, including in the Maintenance and Operations departments.
While at Brunswick, Gannon helped the plant successfully complete a major extended power uprate project and renew its license with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
"Neil has demonstrated his ability to lead a diverse group of talented individuals through a number of high level projects and challenges," McKinney said. "We look forward to Neil joining our team and to the experience he brings that will lead Susquehanna through its next stage of growth."
Before joining Progress Energy, Gannon was the Radiological and Environmental Services manager at the James A. Fitzpatrick nuclear plant in New York and held various management positions at the Pilgrim nuclear plant in Plymouth, Mass.
He began his nuclear career with the U.S. Navy helping construct and maintain nuclear-powered submarines.
Gannon holds a senior reactor operation certification from Pilgrim plant and earned a comprehensive certification from American Board of Health Physics.
The Susquehanna plant is owned jointly by PPL Susquehanna LLC and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc. and is operated by PPL Susquehanna.
PPL Susquehanna is one of PPL Corporation's generating facilities. Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corporation controls more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to more than 5 million customers in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom and Latin America. More information is available at http://www.pplweb.com/.
Source: PPL Corporation
