HALIFAX, May 9 /CNW/ - Emera Inc.'s (EMA: TSX) Board of Directors used the company's annual meeting today to announce important changes to Nova Scotia Power's (NSPI) leadership and governance. NSPI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera. Ralph Tedesco, currently Nova Scotia Power's Chief Operating Officer, (COO) has been named the company's new President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment is effective May 15, 2006. Mr. Tedesco takes over from Chris Huskilson, who continues in his role as President and CEO of Emera. Nova Scotia Power will also be reconfiguring its Board of Directors. John McLennan, a Nova Scotia born telecommunications executive who has served as Chief Executive Officer of both Bell Canada and Allstream Inc., will take over as Chairman. He replaces Derek Oland, who will continue as Chairman of Emera. Several Emera Directors, including Mr. Huskilson, will continue to serve on the reconfigured NSPI Board, with several new Directors to be added in the coming months. "As COO over the last two years, Ralph has brought his determination and drive to see that real change happens at Nova Scotia Power," said Mr. Huskilson. "As President and CEO he will be able to build on Nova Scotia Power's commitment to our customers and a cleaner environment. And I will be able to devote a greater amount of my time to building Emera's business as its full-time President and CEO." With more than 25 years in the electricity business, Mr. Tedesco has extensive knowledge and experience in utility operations, customer service, marketing and sales, union relations, and finance and capital markets. Prior to joining Nova Scotia Power in January 2004, Mr. Tedesco served as President and Chief Operating Officer of New York State Electric & Gas, an investor-owned energy delivery company serving one million electricity and natural gas customers across New York State. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in atmospheric science and a Master of Science degree in atmospheric physics, both from the State University of New York in Albany. Mr. Tedesco lives in Halifax, with his wife Mary Jane, and has two adult daughters. "I appreciate the confidence that Chris and the Board of Directors have placed in me," said Mr. Tedesco. "The last two years have provided me with a terrific opportunity to meet many of our customers and to get to know the great team at Nova Scotia Power. Our customers have given us a lot of ideas to ensure we have a bright energy future. I'm anxious to continue working with our stakeholders and employees to do just that." "It is important for a regulated utility to have dedicated leadership and governance, and these changes support that," added Mr. Huskilson. "They also bring Emera's structure in line with other investment holding companies." For broadcast use: Two big changes are coming to Nova Scotia Power. Ralph Tedesco will be the company's new president and C-E-O, starting May 15. He has served as the company's chief operating officer since 2004. Longtime telecommunications executive John McLennan will take over as Chairman of Nova Scotia Power's Board. Chris Huskilson, the president and C-E-O of Nova Scotia Power's parent company, Emera, says the changes are consistent with similar companies. He adds that Tedesco will be able to build on Nova Scotia Power's commitment to the environment and customers. For his part, Tedesco says Nova Scotia Power customers have given the company important ideas for improvement and that he's anxious to work with stakeholders and employees to make those changes happen. The announcement came today at Emera's annual general meeting.