University of Kentucky MBA alum Kimra H. Cole has been named President and Chief Operating Officer at Columbia Gas of Kentucky, replacing Herbert A. Miller Jr. who will retire from the company on July 1.
Headquartered in Lexington, KY, Columbia Gas of Kentucky delivers clean, affordable and efficient natural gas to approximately 135,000 customers across the state and is one of NiSource’s seven regulated utility companies. NiSource (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.5 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. Cole is currently the Vice President of Distribution Operations for Columbia’s parent company, NiSource Inc. Cole has served in various leadership roles in marketing, engineering, and operations during her 22 years with Columbia Gas of Kentucky and NiSource. She also served as director of engineering for the Kentucky Public Service Commission and as commissioner of general services for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
“Kimra’s extensive natural gas operations background will enable her to successfully lead our Kentucky team as we implement our Safety Management System and continually seek innovative ways to better serve our customers,” said NiSource Executive Vice President and President, Gas Utilities Pablo Vegas.
Herb Miller Current Columbia Gas of Kentucky President and COO Herb Miller added, “I am proud of our team’s work to improve safety for our customers and help our communities prosper. Kimra’s heart is in Kentucky and she will only enhance our commitment to service.”
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to return to Kentucky to lead an outstanding team of professionals,” Cole said. “Herb Miller has established a legacy of commitment to employees, customers and the communities Columbia serves. I couldn’t take the reins from a better leader.”
Cole earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering and a master’s of business administration from the University of Kentucky. She currently serves on the executive council of the Southern Gas Association and on the advisory board of the Downtown Lexington Partnership. She previously served on the boards of directors of Commerce Lexington, the Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Lexington Sister Cities, Bluegrass Sports Commission, REACH, Bluegrass State Games and the Lexington Sports Authority. She also previously served as a commissioner with the Kentucky Commission on Women, staff member of the Critical Infrastructure Committee of National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and as a committee chair of the Kentucky Gas Association.
