NiSource Inc. President & CEO Robert C. Skaggs Jr. announced a leadership change at NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage (NGT&S). Effective immediately, Jimmy D. Staton, a NiSource executive with an extensive background in the natural gas business, will take responsibility for leading the company’s NGT&S units. This is comprised of Columbia Gas Transmission LLC, Columbia Gulf Transmission Co. and Crossroads Pipeline Co. Staton will also oversee NiSource Energy Ventures, which includes the company’s midstream business, in addition to the company’s partnership interests, Millennium Pipeline and Hardy Storage Co. Presently, Staton serves as executive vice president and group CEO of NiSource’s Indiana gas and electric utility business, which includes Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), as well as the company’s Gas Distribution business unit. With his new position, he will continue to be responsible for NiSource’s Indiana utility business, while Skaggs assumes responsibility for NiSource’s gas distribution business. In his new role, Staton will focus on advancing the NGT&S strategy to deliver customer value and earnings growth by leveraging NiSource’s strategic asset base, including the company’s footprint in shale production areas. Staton began his energy industry career as a petroleum engineer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He joined NiSource in 2008 as Executive Vice President and Group CEO for the company’s Gas Distribution business, and took over responsibility for the company’s Indiana gas and electric operations in 2010. He holds professional memberships with several associations, including the American Gas Association and the Southern Gas Association. Staton holds a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from Louisiana State University.