ST. LOUIS, Dec 07, 2009 -- Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced that its recently retired vice president and chief information officer, Michael T. Abbene, has been named to Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders list for 2010. The honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony on March 10, 2010 in Phoenix.

"As CIO, Michael encouraged the I.S. team to harness technologies to create greater efficiencies, such as satellite networking deployment at our remote locations," said C. Henry Besten, senior vice president of strategic development. "During his CIO tenure, Arch earned a number of national and international technology awards, including Business Week's Web Smart 50 and InformationWeek 500."

According to Computerworld, this year's Premier 100 spotlights 100 leaders from both the technology and business sides of companies for their exceptional technology leadership, innovative ideas to business challenges and effectively managed IT strategies.

"The Premier 100 awards program shines a spotlight on the best of IT leadership and innovation," said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. "Despite a tough economy, these senior IT leaders are seizing this rare moment to steer measured growth, embark on innovative pilots and build loyalty in their most valued workers. We're pleased to honor the achievements of these 100 men and women who epitomize calm and steady IT leadership."

St. Louis-based Arch Coal is the second largest U.S. coal producer. Through its national network of mines, Arch supplies cleaner-burning, low-sulfur coal to fuel roughly 8 percent of the nation's electricity. The company also ships coal to domestic and international steel manufacturers as well as international power producers.