Governor Andrew Cuomo has nominated John Koelmel, the president & CEO of First Niagara Financial Group in Buffalo, to serve on the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees, and has recommended him as the next chairman.

Addie Russell, assemblywoman from the 118th Assembly District, is pleased with the governor's choice.

"He has decades of hands-on experience in leadership and management positions, which should translate well into his responsibilities on the board," Russell said.

"It is valuable that he comes from a region of the state known for its power-generating facilities. I look forward to working with Mr. Koelmel to unlock the economic potential of the North Country,” the Theresa Democrat said.

The governor was similarly upbeat in his announcement.

"NYPA plays a key role providing low-cost, clean power to homeowners and businesses across the state, helping create jobs and grow our economy. I believe John's corporate experience and Western New York roots will be an asset to NYPA's continued work to fuel the state's economic recovery," Cuomo said.

Koelmel has led First Niagara since 2006. He spent the first 26 years of his career at KPMG LLP, serving as managing partner of the Buffalo office and the firm's Upstate New York Business Unit. He has held leadership roles in numerous professional and community organizations in Buffalo and Western New York, including as chair of board of Kaleida Health, the largest health care provider in Western New York, with five hospitals and numerous community health care centers.

If confirmed to the board by the Senate and appointed NYPA chair, Koelmel will replace current NYPA Chairman Michael Townsend, who joined the board in 2004 and has been chair since 2009.