This is my first column since becoming the sixth president and CEO to join the American Gas Association’s offices here in Washington, D.C., and I am thrilled to be here.
AGA and the entire industry have been very well served by Dave McCurdy’s successful time at the helm. All who have worked with Dave benefited from his thoughtful leadership and incredible command of the issues. Dave has not only led AGA to noteworthy success, but he has consistently challenged the industry to be forward-thinking, willing to listen and open to engaging in a constructive dialogue despite constantly shifting political dynamics. I am certain that Dave’s contribution to this country that he loves and to our industry is far from over, but I know he is very much looking forward to spending more time with Pam, their children and grandchildren. No one deserves it more.
Also, let me offer congratulations to Dave and everyone at AGA and the International Gas Union on producing last year’s incredibly successful World Gas Conference. What a remarkable show of unity from a single industry, spanning 100 nations bound by a common goal. From the keynotes to the conversations in the hallways, the excitement and support for our industry were undeniable.
I am honored to have the opportunity to lead AGA during this time of significant progress and change in the energy industry. I am ever mindful of the task that faces America’s natural gas utilities every single day to enhance safety and evolve with the changing needs of our customers, and I look forward to working with AGA’s strong board of directors to continue our role as the leading voice for the natural gas industry, ensuring its strong position in the future of our nation’s energy portfolio.
I have been deeply involved in energy policy as America’s abundant natural resources have completely transformed our energy and economic security beyond what many thought possible. For the past 11 years, I led the Global Energy Institute at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an organization that paves the way for American companies to invest, hire and thrive. Energy is the lifeblood of our economy now more than ever. I have tirelessly advocated for balanced energy policies that will unleash America’s abundant resources, keep energy affordable for families and business, and preserve the environment, while putting millions more people to work. Every victory in Washington takes time, so I remain committed to advancing constructive dialogue and strategic advocacy on behalf of AGA and its members. The value proposition of natural gas has never been higher, and we intend to send that message loud and clear.
I have had a unique path to 400 N. Capitol St. I grew up in this town, living and breathing the intersection of policy and politics. I studied international policy and political science at Rice University in Houston, gaining a front seat to the energy industry’s challenges during the market collapse in the 1980s. For many years, I oversaw billion-dollar economic development programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, which showed me firsthand how the availability of affordable energy was the bright dividing line between growing or failing economies. I went on to develop private infrastructure and power projects in turbulent countries in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, appreciating the value of predictable regulation and risks to business models. I was very proud to serve in President George W. Bush’s administration as assistant secretary for policy and international affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, where I witnessed the industry’s incredible resiliency and commitment to reliability as it recovered from the devastating hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Now I am eager to turn my full attention to advancing AGA’s agenda. I can assure you that AGA will be laser-focused on the issues that matter to this vital industry. Our bench is made up of talented and strategic thinkers, providing energy solutions for Americans every day, and I am thrilled to have this new opportunity to work with our members as AGA enters its next century.
President and CEO