Executives from two leading energy consumers have taken leadership positions on Consumer Energy Alliance's (CEA) eight person board of directors, the organization's president David Holt announced today.

Nucor Corporation executive Jennifer Diggins will serve as chairwoman and Wayne Zemke, a marketing executive with Caterpillar, Inc., will serve as vice chairman. Diggins' term follows two successful years for CEA under the leadership of John Heimlich, a vice president and chief economist for Airlines for America. Heimlich will continue to serve as a member of the board.

CEA is made up of over 240 member companies and over 400,000 citizens who support boosting an "all of the above" energy policy.

Already focused on helping the organization to educate consumers about how energy impacts almost every aspect of the U.S. economy, Diggins recently wrote in The Denver Post that efforts to stifle shale gas development are "a wake-up call for any American who values affordable energy, energy security and a cleaner environment."

Diggins is a Director, Public Affairs for Nucor Corporation, overseeing the state government relations program covering 22 states, and is responsible for promoting the steel manufacturer's energy and climate policy. She joined CEA's board in 2009.

"Jennifer is a leader," said David Holt. "She has the vision needed to advance sound policies that will boost new investment and economic activity. Energy consumers, like Nucor and Caterpillar, are the kind of companies keeping the U.S. economy afloat. Lawmakers need to put in place policies that will advance - not detract - from the success of these companies."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead the Consumer Energy Alliance," said Diggins. "Along with the current board members, I look forward to helping advance CEA's mission of ensuring stable prices for consumers and improving energy security and reliability."

Prior to Nucor, Jennifer spent two years at the law firm of Moore and Van Allen leading Nucor's state government affairs work. Jennifer also spent 11 years in Washington D.C., five of those years as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Iron and Steel Institute. Jennifer has also worked on Capitol Hill and has held several positions in state government.

Consumer Energy Alliance board members, include: John Heimlich, Vice President and Chief Economist for Airlines for America; Mark Pulliam, Treasurer, Solution Partner with Sabre Airline Solutions; Dave Harbour, APR, Commissioner Emeritus, National Association of Regulatory Commissioners, Publisher, Northern Gas Pipelines; Troy Bredenkamp, General Manager, Nebraska Rural Electric Association; Brett Vassey, President and CEO, Virginia Manufacturers Association; and Wayne Zemke, Caterpillar, Incorporated.

About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance brings together consumers, producers and manufacturers to engage in a meaningful dialogue about America's energy future. Our mission is to help ensure stable prices for consumers and improve energy security. We believe energy development impacts everyone, and thus it is necessary for all consumers to actively engage in the conversation about the importance of energy to the economy and how we develop and diversify our energy resources. CEA promotes a thoughtful dialogue to help produce our abundant energy supply, and balance our energy needs with our nation's environmental and conservation goals.

Consumer Energy Alliance
Kristin Marcell, 215-504-4272
kmarcell@consumerenergyalliance.org