Dr. Phillip Bowden announced today that he is resigning his MLGW Board of Commissioners post effective today. His decision to step down comes in the wake of increased commitments at his medical practice that necessitate his full-time attention.

Dr. Bowden is a Memphis gastroenterologist. He was appointed in January to fill the unexpired term of James Russell, whose term officially ends Oct. 30, 2007.

"I am proud to have served on the board of an organization that plays such a fundamentally important role in our community," said Bowden. "However, due to the commitments of my professional practice, I can no longer dedicate the time needed to fulfill my duties as an MLGW board member. Therefore, I feel it is prudent for me to step down so that the board can obtain a representative who can give it the time it deserves."

A replacement will be sought immediately to serve in this interim role until the end of October.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County with some of the lowest combined rates in the U.S.