COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 2, 1998 -- Melinda Ackerman was recently promoted to vice president - human resources at American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP), according to Rod Plimpton, AEP's senior vice president - human resources. Ackerman reports to Plimpton. Her promotion became effective March 1. "Her breadth of experience, detailed knowledge of human resources, and her dedication to this company and its employees make Melinda extremely well-qualified for the key role that she is playing in human resources now," said Plimpton. Ackerman began her career at AEP in 1965 at Kentucky Power Co., where she worked in the marketing department and later became human resources manager at the Big Sandy Plant. She transferred to Columbus Southern Power Co. and was compensation and benefits manager. Other positions held included public affairs director for the AEP fuel supply department, director - human resources planning and director of human resources - corporate. She most recently served as managing director - human resources. Ackerman earned a bachelor's degree in business administration at Morehead State University and completed the AEP Management Development Program at Ohio State University. She is a graduate of the Fairfield County (Ohio) Leadership Tomorrow Program. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 2.9 million customers in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, consulting and management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.