The director of American Electric Power Co. Inc.'s media relations team is planning to retire at the end of the month.

In an email to journalists, Pat Hemlepp said he plans to leave the utility after 18 years working in media relations. Hemlepp worked at chemical company Ashland Inc. for seven years before coming to AEP, one of the largest U.S. electric utilities.

Hemlepp told Greenwire he is proud of the relationships he and his department have cultivated with reporters through the years.

"That is something that's always been a goal of ours: to be the first call" on issues that affect the industry, he said.

In his retirement, Hemlepp said he plans to do some "heavy-duty loafing" and spend more time taking pictures and traveling with his wife. Hemlepp said he may do public relations work in his retirement -- but not until he has a few months to get settled.

Taking his place at AEP will be a current member of Hemlepp's staff, Melissa McHenry.

"Melissa is already measuring the office for curtains," Hemlepp joked, adding he has worked with McHenry for several years.