Governor names head of Md. Energy Administration

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Abigail Ross Hopper, Gov. Martin O'Malley's energy adviser since 2010, has been named Director of the Maryland Energy Administration.

O'Malley announced the appointed on Wednesday. Hopper has been acting director of MEA since last year, and will continue to be energy adviser.

The governor said Hoper was pivotal in ensuring the passage of the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013.

Hopper is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law. Before her appointment by O'Malley, she spent three years as Deputy General Counsel with the PSC. Hopper spent over 9 years in private practice, specializing in litigation and corporate law.

Hopper succeeds Malcolm Woolf, who stepped down in 2012 after five years as MEA director.