Mike Holmes was named executive vice president of research & development for the Lignite Energy Council and retains his role as technical advisor of the Lignite Research Program under the North Dakota Industrial Commission.

Holmes joined the Lignite Council in 2017 following more than 15 years with the Energy & Environmental Research Center in Grand Forks.

The Lignite Energy Council also added to its staff Rachelle Anderson, who will replace Marie Hoerner, who has announced her retirement. Hoerner most recently held the position of financial and benefit resources director and worked for the Lignite Council for more than 15 years.

The Lignite Energy Council is a regional trade association representing North Dakota lignite producers, electric utilities and about 200 businesses providing goods and services to the mines and plants.