AGA Presents Natural Gas Industry Awards

The American Gas Association proudly presented several of its highest awards at today's Executive Conference meeting in Arizona. The Distinguished Service Award is AGA's highest award and is given to the individual or individuals who have made an outstanding and significant contribution to the natural gas distribution industry. The Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award is given to individuals who have made a notable commitment and achievement in the natural gas industry and who have been a leader among their peers in the pursuit of operational excellence and success for their company and the overall natural gas industry.

Distinguished Service Award

Diane Leopold, EVP and COO of Dominion Energy

AGA's 2024 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Diane Leopold, EVP and COO of Dominion Energy for her successful efforts to position our industry as a safe and reliable energy choice. Her commitment to teamwork and diversity and inclusion have made her a leader in her field. The award is a recognition of her contributions to advancing the role of natural gas in building a more sustainable future.

"Diane is an incredible leader who values the importance of a team and the strength that diversity and inclusion bring to our industry," said AGA Chair Jerry Norcia, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DTE Energy. "She is passionate about our industry and advancing the role of natural gas in building a more sustainable future. Her innovative thinking, collaborative spirit and strong leadership have left an indelible mark on this industry. We thank her for her service and all that she has done for the industry over her remarkable career."

In addition to serving the industry for three decades, Diane served as a member of AGA's board of directors for ten years including serving as Chair of the Board in 2020 and Vice Chair in 2019. During her board tenure, she served on several committees including the executive committee, finance committee, nominating committee, clean energy task force and safety and security committees.

The 2024 AGA Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award

Jerry Schmitz, Vice President of Engineering Staff for Southwest Gas Corporation

Southwest Gas Corporation's Jerry Schmitz has been awarded the 2024 Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to safety, quality and excellence in the natural gas industry. With over three decades at Southwest Gas, Jerry has been instrumental in elevating the company's safety and quality culture by developing strategic initiatives and shaping a comprehensive quality assurance framework. His efforts not only enforce procedural compliance but also encourage continuous process enhancements, driving the company toward industry-leading standards.

"Jerry is often referred to as the Godfather of Quality at his company," said AGA Vice Chair Lloyd Yates, President and CEO of NiSource. "Jerry has been a longstanding leader and voice of reason in the natural gas industry. Throughout his remarkable career, Jerry has proven himself as a leading force in his company and the industry in championing safety, quality and excellence. For these and many other reasons, Jerry is being recognized today by his peers for his commitment to our industry and his dedicated leadership."

An engineer by training, Jerry's leadership extends beyond his company. As chairman of the ASME B31Q Qualification of Pipeline Personnel Technical Committee from 2008 to 2011, he was pivotal in developing industry standards for operator qualification, aligning the natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline industries on core safety principles. Active with the American Gas Association for over 25 years, he has led advocacy efforts with Congress, PHMSA, and state agencies on numerous pipeline safety initiatives.

Christina Sames, Vice President of Safety, Operations, Engineering, and Security for American Gas Association (retired)

Christina Sames was also awarded the 2024 Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the safety and operations of the natural gas industry. For nearly 20 years, Christina led the American Gas Association's Safety, Operations, Engineering, and Security Department, working closely with stakeholders to enhance safety, reliability, and system integrity across the industry. She was instrumental in strengthening AGA's commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and security, and played a pivotal role in making events like the Operations Conference, Safety Leadership Summit and PSMS Workshop into signature industry gatherings.

"Christina diligently led AGA's efforts to help its membership strengthen their safety efforts, including the commitment to enhancing safety, environmental stewardship, and security," said Yates. "AGA's successful Operations Conference, Safety Leadership Summit, and OPSMS Workshops have become signature industry events and are a lasting part of her legacy."

Christina's contributions extend beyond organizational leadership; she pioneered AGA's world-class peer review program in 2014, significantly advancing the industry by facilitating peer evaluations among 150 companies to share best practices and improve service to customers and communities. Known for her tireless work ethic, optimistic outlook, and commitment to excellence, she has been an inspiration to colleagues and industry professionals alike. Her ability to build strong relationships with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders, along with her advocacy during pipeline safety hearings and crisis management in the aftermath of significant incidents, underscores her profound impact on the natural gas industry.

More information about both the Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award and the Distinguished Service Award is available here.

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