Event Summary
This 4-course, two-day program is designed for new and existing energy company employees at all levels regardless of department or discipline, or any individuals wishing to gain an overall understanding of the gas industry. The program is designed to provide a well-rounded foundation in various aspects of the industry, and to provide attendees with an understanding of the part sustainability plays in their organizations. Attendees will also better understand how biases impact their interactions with others and their decision-making. The end state is to equip employees with a better understanding of their industry, their organization, and themselves.
Key Benefits
- Learning the benefits natural gas provides to customers, the general public, and the country and how your organization fits into that system.
- Effective, proven methods to communicate in a positive way to not only your organizational teammates but also to the public on the industry.
- Understand how recent trends and actions affect the industry and our organizations, with a look at potential future impacts.
- A preliminary understanding of the commitment to sustainability as it relates to Environment, Social, and Governance impacts in the gas industry.
- Identify the impacts of unconscious biases on individuals and their organizations, both personally and professionally.
Included Courses
June 7 | Unconscious Bias – Reframing Bias to Improve Team Dynamics
Instructors: Cindy Mitchell, SGA
- 8:00 AM- 11:00 AM CST
Explore how the unconscious is a powerful mechanism that can dictate behavior and shape interactions. Left unchecked, they can move or act in an unconscious manner. This may cause unintended harm to others. This class will cultivate the skills needed to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
June 8 | Natural Gas Champions
Instructor: Bill Cantrell
- 8:00 AM- 12:00 PM CST
As the natural gas industry faces a great deal of increased attention, one thing is abundantly clear: As a nation, the more we use renewables, the more we need natural gas to ensure a strong energy grid. With empirical data and industry trends, SGA offers this fact-filled and action-packed 4-hour program to prepare our industry professionals to respond to questions about the industry
June 8 | Introduction to ESG
Instructor: Suzanne Ogle, SGA
- 1:00 PM-3:00 PM CST
An introduction to Environmental, Social and Governance for the natural gas industry provides an overview of an ESG framework and how it supports a company’s overall risk management. We will look at each component in detail and deliver insight into how those components converge to impact a company and its stakeholders. Whether you’re in distribution, transmission, marketing, E&P or a supplier you will no doubt be faced with a growing interest in ESG and how it informs you or your company’s decision-making. The intention of this course is to prepare you with the foundational knowledge needed to respond effectively and help you understand how the stakeholders are using ESG information to conduct due diligence and make investment decisions.
June 29 | Introduction to the Natural Gas Industry
Instructor: Suzanne Ogle, SGA
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CST
This course provides an overview at a high level of the different sectors of the natural gas industry to move natural gas “from drill bit to burner tip.” It also provides an overview of groups that have concerns for natural gas being utilized in the future. Lastly, there is an intentional focus on creating an elevator speech to concisely and convincingly share the passion that exists within our industry’s workforce.
Attendees will qualify for 12 Professional Development Hours (PDH) upon completion.
For Content Information Please Contact martha.stedman@southerngas.org
For Registration Information Please Contact Member Services.
Digital Badges
Attendees will receive the following digital badges upon completion:
Level 1 Natural Gas Industry Professional Digital Badge
SGA has partnered with Credly, the leader in digital credentials, to certify the recipients have a fundamental understanding of the natural gas industry. They have a demonstrated, working knowledge of major regulatory bodies and trade associations, upstream, midstream and downstream processes, natural gas markets and generalities of the ratemaking activities, industry-specific segments, exploration and production, utilities, environmental and safety standards, and future trends in the energy industry.
Criteria
Natural Gas Champion Digital Badge
SGA has partnered with Credly, the leader in digital credentials, to certify that recipients understand the fundamentals of the natural gas industry and have gained the tools necessary to engage in crucial conversations about the benefits natural gas provides to customers, the general public and the country. Champions can identify individual and interest group concerns and have practiced responding to those concerns.
Adding the Natural Gas Champions digital badge to your LinkedIn profile demonstrates your commitment to learning and communicating the vital role that natural gas plays in a lower carbon future.
Level 1 Natural Gas Industry ESG Professional Digital Badge
SGA has partnered with Credly, the leader in digital credentials, to certify the recipients have a fundamental understanding of the ESG framework and its relevance to organization’s risk mitigation and shareholder commitment. Individuals with this credential have a demonstrated working knowledge of how ESG impacts investors and investment decisions, how stakeholders influence corporate performance, and can analyze ESG risks, opportunities and business intelligence.
Criteria
Meet the Instructor
Bill Cantrell
With more than 40 years of experience, Bill has become a trusted leader across the energy industry and developed a passion for working to advance the field. Before joining SGA, Bill was president and chief executive officer at SourceGas, now part of Black Hills Corp., an SGA member company. In 2009, he led SGA as chairman of the board of directors. Bill worked for TECO Energy for over 34 years, with the last 12 years serving as President of Peoples Gas. He received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Meet the Instructor
Suzanne Ogle
President & CEO
Southern Gas Association
Suzanne Ogle is President and CEO of the Southern Gas Association. As CEO she helps SGA members overcome the challenges, they face operating in the natural gas industry and navigating public perception. With her entrepreneurial mindset and wide range of experience across the natural gas value chain from service, to exploration and production, midstream and transmission she focuses on business process, optimization and effective communication to prepare the SGA members for resilience and innovation in an industry in transition.
Suzanne is an Accredited Public Relations and Certified Investor Relations professional. She holds an Advanced Marketing certificate from Southern Methodist University, as well as Finance Management, Business Analytics and Change Management certificates from Cornell University and an Executive Leadership for Energy Professionals certificate from the University of Houston. She received a Master of Education in educational psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in business marketing from California Lutheran University.
Meet the Instructor
Cindy Mitchell
Vice President of Operations
Southern Gas Association
Cindy Mitchell serves as vice president of operations for the Southern Gas Association (SGA), where she manages the day-to-day functions of the organization. Prior to joining SGA, Cindy spent 20 years of her first career as a county official for Denton County, Texas. When elected, Cindy was the youngest elected county clerk in Texas, serving the 9th most populous county in the United States. She has served in leadership roles within state associations and the National Association of Counties nationwide.
Upon retiring from the local government, Cindy transitioned into leadership development training and coaching for both local governments and the gas industry, leading her to SGA. “When I was elected, I found that people presenting to me had such limited interest, and it was never mine or my constituents. I will always have a heart for local government officials, and equipping leaders is a passion of mine,” Cindy said, “To be able to offer solutions to local leaders is especially gratifying.” When not working to advance the energy industry, you may find her traveling, spending time with family, or entertaining friends.
