AGA Presents Distinguished Service Award and Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award

Washington, D.C. – The American Gas Association (AGA) awarded the 2022 Distinguished Service Award to Ralph LaRossa and the 2022 Natural Gas Industry Leadership award to Sue Fleck and Charles “Chuck” Warrington.

The Distinguished Service Award, AGA’s highest award, is given to the individual or individuals who, in the opinion of AGA’s member company executives, have made an outstanding and significant contribution to the natural gas distribution industry.

“This award is a testament to everything Ralph LaRossa has achieved over the course of his distinguished career. His AGA leadership drove the inception or continuation of several key programs, including Veterans in Energy and Next Level Leadership for Women, to help assure utility workforces better reflect the communities they serve. Ralph’s forward-looking approach to leadership and focus on building a robust and resilient energy industry will continue to inspire generations of leaders in natural gas,” said AGA Chair Kim Greene.

LaRossa began his career at the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) as an associate engineer in 1985. Beginning in 2006, he served eleven years as President and Chief Operating Officer of PSEG’s regulated utility business and gave generously of his time and expertise as a member of the American Gas Association board of directors, where he held several officer roles. In 2016, as Chair of the AGA board, LaRossa led an industry-wide effort to reauthorize the Pipeline Safety Act.

The Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award exists to highlight individuals who have made tremendous strides for their companies and taken these achievements forward by sharing their experiences to improve the industry.

“Sue Fleck and Chuck Warrington have both made tremendous contributions to the natural gas industry. This award is an acknowledgement of the impact both outstanding individuals have had on driving our industry forward and advancing safety, our top priority,” said Kim Greene.

Throughout Sue Fleck’s long and illustrious career, she has consistently championed gas compliance, including a focus on training and competence, starting long before it became an industry wide initiative. Fleck is a long-time advocate for ‘doing the right job and doing the job right’. For her contributions to natural gas utilities across the northeastern United States and to AGA, Fleck’s award is richly deserved.

Chuck Warrington’s contributions to the industry are manifold. Warrington has been a staunch but thoughtful supporter of the natural gas industry, recognizing the immense good this industry can accomplish while consistently making efforts to ensure that the industry is at the forefront of best practices and innovation. He has brought a wealth of operational knowledge to industry discussions and is well respected across the industry. 

AGA commends these exceptional individuals for their contributions to the natural gas industry.