Gebbie named chief nuclear officer, SVP of Donald C. Cook nuclear plant

American Electric Power (AEP) has selected Joel Gebbie to serve as the senior vice president and chief nuclear officer at the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan, the company announced on Tuesday.

"Joel has been a key part of the Cook leadership team and has demonstrated that he's the right person to head our nuclear operations going forward,” Robert Powers, AEP executive vice president and COO, said. “During his time as site vice president, the plant set new safety and operational records, running more safely and reliably than at any other time in its history. Joel also has worked to strengthen and enhance the Cook team's relationship with the communities near the plant."

Gebbie has been with the company since 1986 and he has worked with the Cook facility since 1996. Gebbie will be taking the place of Larry Webber, who is retiring after 17 years with AEP. Gebbie’s appointment will begin on Jan. 1, 2016.

Gebbie currently serves as the facility’s vice president; once he takes on his new role, this position will be filled by Shane Lies.

Gebbie earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from The Ohio State University.

The Cook power plant has a generation capacity of approximately 2,155 megawatts.