CHESTERFIELD, Mo. - Tim Light, senior VP - Fuels, Emissions
& Logistics (American Electric Power), has announced the appointment
of Keith Darling to lead AEP River Operations, effective immediately.
In his new role, according to a press release, Darling will
oversee all managerial and operating activities related to AEP River Operations
functions, including sales, planning & budgeting, accounting, business
development, logistics, operations and maintenance.
Darling joined AEP in 1975 at the former Southern Ohio Coal
Company. He held several positions of progressive responsibility in HR and
Labor Relations in the former AEP Fuel Supply organization, which included
River Transportation Division. He was named managing director – Boat Operations
in 2002. Darling holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and a
master’s degree from Ohio University, both in economics.
Darling succeeds Mark Knoy, who has left AEP to head up American Commercial Lines.
“Keith’s river operations experience is extremely broad and
deep. His extensive background and experience working with people, in business
and in river operations provide a unique fit for our River Ops organization,”
Light said. “Keith has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and is
focused on both operations and safety excellence.”
AEP River Operations includes a fleet of 3,275 barges and 94
towboats, a full-service shipyard and six barge repair and cleaning facilities.
Headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, AEP River Operations is one of the
largest dry-bulk barge companies on the inland waterways, transporting 77
million tons of commodities each year.