Thomas B. Pickens, III

Mr. Pickens, a member of the company's board of directors since 2003, became president and chief executive officer in January 2007. He is also the managing partner and founder of Tactic Advisors, Inc., a company specializing in corporate turnarounds on behalf of creditors and investors.

Throughout his professional career, Mr. Pickens has founded and served as Chairman and CEO for many companies during the startup, growth and turnaround phases of a company's lifecycle, with an emphasis in the creation of value in a challenging environment. From 1983 to date, Mr. Pickens has been the Founder and President of Beta Computer Systems; Managing Partner, Grace Pickens Acquisition Partners, L.P.; Managing Partner, Sumter Partners L.P.; Chairman and CEO of Catalyst Energy Corporation (NYSE); Chairman, United Thermal Corporation (NYSE); President, Golden Bear Corporation; President, Slate Creek Corporation; President, Eury Dam Corporation; Chairman, Century Power Corporation; President, Vidalia Hydroelectric Corporation; Managing Partner, Pickens Capital Income Fund, L.P.; Chairman, The Code Corporation; and President, U.S. Utilities, Inc.

Mr. Pickens has also served in the capacity representing the Office of the Chairman, Mirant Equity Committee (NYSE) and Director, Optifab, Inc. (NASDAQ). He is currently Director, Trenwick America Corporation and Director, Advocate MD. Mr. Pickens graduated from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas with a degree in economics and started his first successful multi-million dollar business while in college.