Shalmy is president of Nevada Power as well as senior vice president of the utility holding company. Another individual will be named president of Nevada Power when Shalmy leaves. As senior vice president, Sanchez will be responsible for advertising, public relations, and lobbying state and federal regulators and elected officials. Yackira said Sanchez will be responsible for the "corporate face and corporate image" of Sierra Pacific Resources. "It's a fantastic opportunity, and it's a great time where the company is today," Sanchez said. "I'm excited." Sanchez said he will focus on public affairs for major projects, such as the $3.8 billion coal-fired power project at Ely, a related transmission line and a gas-fired plant under construction near Reno, which is served by subsidiary Sierra Pacific Power Co. Shalmy faced a different challenge when he joined the company in 2002.