Timothy J. Whelan was named vice president for market development and is responsible for development of market opportunities and strategy for Alliance.

Whelan joined the company as vice president of strategic development in September 2003. His most recent prior positions include director of power origination and vice president of retail propane for the Williams Companies.

David W. Thomas was named vice president of governmental affairs with responsibility for directing government relations at the state and federal levels.

Thomas joined the company in 1979 and has held a variety of positions in the areas of environmental compliance, human resources and public and government relations.

He serves on the board of numerous organizations including the Maryland Coal Association and the West Virginia Coal Association. Thomas is also active in several coal industry and related organizations, serving on various committees for the National

Mining Association and the State Chambers of Commerce in Maryland and West Virginia.

Jeffrey D. Brock was named vice president of business development. Brock’

responsibilities include the identification and development of strategic growth opportunities for Alliance.

Brock began his career at Alliance in September 1994, most recently serving in the capacity of general manager of business development having previously held the positions of manager of permitting and project mining engineer. Brock is a licensed engineer in the states of Kentucky and Indiana.

Ted A. Norris was named vice president of technical services and project development. Norris assumes responsibility for development of internal growth, new mining opportunities and oversight of technical services, engineering and geology, for existing operations.

Since April 2001, Norris has served Alliance as general manager of technical services. Norris joined the company in 1998 in conjunction with Alliance’s acquisition of Hopkins County Coal where he held the position of director of special projects.

He is a registered professional geologist in the state of Kentucky.