AGA Announces Recipients of 2026 Distinguished Service and Natural Gas Industry Leadership Awards

WASHINGTON - The American Gas Association today announced recipients of several of its highest honors at AGA's Executive Conference, celebrating exemplary leadership and service across the natural gas industry.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Henry "Hank" Linginfelter, Ret. Executive Vice President, Southern Company Gas

AGA proudly presented the Association's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Hank Linginfelter in recognition of more than thirty years of outstanding service and leadership in the natural gas industry. Throughout his career, Hank oversaw operations serving nearly 5 million customers, guided thousands of employees and helped navigate some of the most significant changes in the natural gas industry. During his career with Southern Company Gas, Atlanta Gas Light, Nicor Gas, Virginia Gas and Chattanooga Gas, Hank played a pivotal role in bringing multiple operating utilities together under a unified framework to strengthen operational performance, improve reliability and position these organizations for long-term success in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. As a member of AGA's Leadership Council, Hank contributed to important conversations on natural gas markets, policy and utility governance. He served as executive vice president of Southern Company Gas from 2007 until his retirement in 2019 and continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for Southwest Gas Holdings.

"Hank's influence has been felt across the natural gas utility industry," said Sid McAnnally, AGA Board Chair and CEO of ONE Gas. "Those who have had the privilege of working with him know that his greatest contributions are not measured solely by the organizations he has led or the initiatives he has championed, but are reflected in the people he has mentored, the teams he has inspired, and the culture of respect, collaboration, and integrity he has fostered throughout his career. Hank's leadership has strengthened our industry, advanced our association, and positively impacted countless colleagues and friends along the way."

NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARDS

AGA's Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award honors individuals who demonstrate notable achievement and leadership among their peers in pursuit of operational excellence. This year, two distinguished individuals were recognized.

Donna DeCarolis, Senior Energy Policy Advisor & Former President, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation

Donna is recognized for more than four decades of leadership in advancing the safe, reliable and sustainable delivery of natural gas. Her career included leadership roles in investor relations, customer quality assurance, human resources, government affairs and other key operational functions. She served as president of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation from 2019 to 2025 and currently serves as its senior energy policy advisor.

Ross Turrini, Chief Operating Officer, Southern California Gas Co.

Ross Turrini is honored for his thirty years of leadership in natural gas operations, asset management, regulatory compliance and safety. As COO of Southern California Gas Company and an active member of AGA committees, he contributed to industry discussions on safety, reliability and operational excellence. Before joining Southern California Gas, Ross had a long and impactful career at National Grid of nearly twenty years.

"Donna and Ross exemplify the leadership that drives our industry forward," said AGA President and CEO Karen Harbert. "Their contributions have strengthened the natural gas industry and advanced our mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy across America. We are deeply grateful for their many years of service and the contributions they continue to make."

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AGA Media Contact:

Emily Ellis

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(202) 824-7278

Michael Atkinson

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(202) 824-7229

About the American Gas Association

The American Gas Association, founded in 1918, represents more than 200 local energy companies that deliver clean natural gas throughout the United States. There are more than 79 million residential, commercial and industrial natural gas customers in the U.S., of which 94 percent - more than 74 million customers - receive their gas from AGA members. Today, natural gas meets more than one-third of the United States' energy needs.