Dominion Energy’s Diane Leopold to chair American Gas Association

Diane Leopold, executive vice president and co-COO of Dominion Energy, was recently selected to serve as the new chair of the American Gas Association (AGA).

The announcement, made this week, will see the 25-year-veteran of Dominion Energy take over for Scott Prochazka. Prochazka served as the AGA Chair until February 19, when his company, CenterPoint Energy, Inc., announced that he had stepped down as president and CEO.

“America’s natural gas utilities are working every day to build a safe, clean energy future for the people and communities we serve,” Leopold said. “While the move from coal to natural gas has dramatically lowered emissions from the power sector, we know there is much more to do. We are using advanced technologies to reduce methane emissions across the natural gas delivery system. We are increasing our energy efficiency programs, so our customers can use less. We are helping other industries reduce their reliance on higher-carbon fuels, so they can lower their carbon footprints too. I am incredibly proud to take the helm of the American Gas Association at this exciting time, and I look forward to working with AGA member companies in every corner of the country as we build momentum for a cleaner future together.”

Leopold has overseen three operating segments at Dominion: Gas Transmission & Storage, Gas Distribution, and Dominion Energy South Carolina. Over the years, she has held several titles within the company. Most recently, her positions included president of the natural gas business unit, which she became in January 2014, CEO in January 2017 and executive vice president in May 2017, before assuming her current role in December of last year. Within AGA, she had been operating as vice chair — a position which will now be filled by David Anderson, president and CEO of NW Natural.

“Diane Leopold is a strong voice for our industry, leading by example through her steadfast vision for how our industry can continue to be clean energy leaders in the coming decades. We are incredibly fortunate to have her stepping into this role at this time as we focus on pathways to achieve our shared goal of reducing emissions while maintaining the quality of life that Americans enjoy,” AGA President and CEO Karen Harbert said.

Southern Company Gas president and CEO Kimberly Greene will also become AGA’s second vice chair.