Riviera Utilities Names Wallace President, CEO

The Riviera Utilities Board of Directors has named James Wallace as the utility’s next president and CEO. Wallace will succeed current President and CEO Brian Skelton, who is set to retire at the end of November. Wallace joined Riviera Utilities in 2010 as an engineer, quickly advancing to chief engineer before going on to serve as chief operating officer and, most recently, chief administrative officer and executive vice president. “Throughout his tenure, Wallace has played an integral role in strengthening Riviera’s electric, natural gas, water and wastewater operations; supporting system improvements; and preparing the utility to meet the needs of Baldwin County’s growing communities,” the company said. A registered Professional Engineer in Alabama, Wallace brings nearly three decades of engineering, operations and executive experience. He holds a bachelor of mechanical engineering from Auburn University and a master of engineering in transmission and distribution from Gonzaga University. He is also a Certified Public Power Manager through the American Public Power Association.