Since it was founded in 1908, one certainty about the Southern Gas Association (SGA) is that it has never been reluctant to embrace change. In that way, it embodies the fuel for which it is named, and like natural gas, it is symbolic of unlimited uses and unlimited potential.

Today, Dallas-based SGA remains as committed as ever to exploring new ways to make the transportation and usage of natural gas more reliable, affordable and, most important, safe. This is the same tightly run organization that has earned a reputation for cutting-edge educational programs. More than 20 years ago, SGA created a closed-circuit television operation that was a precursor to today’s popular webinars.

Since 1952, SGA has led the Gas Machinery Research Council (GMRC), a prominent meeting ground for the compression sector. SGA’s membership includes 200 businesses involved in gas distribution, pipeline transmission and gas supply marketing as well as over 300 industry partners mostly comprised of vendors, suppliers and consultants. Until recently, SGA maintained separate programs and conferences for the distribution and transmission sectors, but changing business conditions led SGA to merge most of the programs and conferences. Its largest meeting of the year is the operations conference and exhibition, now rebranded as Natural Gas Connect. It will be held in San Antonio from July 15-17.

After longtime president and CEO Mike Grubb retired two years, the SGA board took its time in hiring new leadership. In a surprising move, SGA hired two industry executives, both offering the right blend of experience for a dynamic and unique association. William N. (Bill) Cantrell was named CEO and brings a solid operations background. Suzanne Ogle was named president and COO. She brings substantial expertise with energy associations and in marketing.  

Cantrell has worked in the energy industry for over 40 years, most recently as president and CEO at SourceGas, now part of Black Hills Corp. He began his career at Tampa Electric Co. where he directed its merger with Peoples Gas Companies to become part of TECO Energy. He was president of Peoples Gas Companies from 1997 to 2009. Ogle has more than 25 years of industry experience including more than a decade with the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). She led sales, marketing, communications and leadership development strategies for oil and gas companies including Approach Resources, Wilbanks Energy Logistics, Regency Energy Partners, Valerus and Exterran, the latter two compression companies.

In this interview, Ogle explains why she pursued a career in the energy industry, serving SGA, and working to exploit the opportunities afforded by natural gas.

“I grew up in Southern California, the daughter of a pilot and an art director; as a result, a career in the oil and gas industry was not on my radar. However, from my childhood years spent scribbling back-of-the-napkin business plans, to an intensive but incredibly gratifying graduate program, I've always been a builder at heart.,” Ogle said. “So, when it came time to look for a career, there was no doubt in my mind that growing a business would play a vital role in my career.’’
 
That desire led her to move to Texas in 1987, just as the oil industry was beginning to recover from the ’80s glut that led to a historic downturn. What she would learn would turn into a career fed by passion.

“Jobs were on the rise; consequently, a career in the oil and gas industry ended up on my radar.  I entered the oil and gas industry in the service sector with Hanover, a natural gas compression and production equipment company (now Valerus),” she said. “The industry immediately felt like home. The sense of unity and commitment to achieving a common goal, pulling together even in times of adversity, i.e., a cycle, energized me. The all-hands-on-deck and esprit de corps atmosphere of the industry seduced me, and I was hooked.”

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In addition to the camaraderie of the people she found in the industry, Ogle could work for a product she strongly believed in because of the benefits it provides.

“We live in a fast-moving, dynamic world. A world that necessitates energy—energy that provides a better life experience for people everywhere. Some of the essential elements in our daily lives are a result of the product we deliver to our country, and with the export of LNG, now the world,” Ogle said. “From refrigeration of food and medicine to transportation that ensures I can get to work and my son can get to school. The thousands of products that are made from natural gas to make our lives comfortable, safe, healthy and happy make me proud to be a part of the industry and passionate about what I do.

“The product is the substance, but the people are the icing on the cake,” she continued. “From the beginning of my career, I've built meaningful relationships with customers, industry partners, vendors and co-workers. I’ve worked side by side with entrepreneurs that dedicate their lives to building a company and been awed by their focus and strategy. I've watched dedicated co-workers quietly and dependably keep the gas flowing, working in the heat and the cold, sometimes working 24/7.

“Also, I’ve had great fun with industry friends who know that humor and a smile make our effort more gratifying. As a result, every day of my career, I’m excited to wake up and get to work. It's been my experience that every day, there is something new to learn about the industry, and learning leads to innovation.”

At IPAA she was a member of several committees, as well as chair of the Wildcatters Sporting Clay Tournament, a Dallas event that benefits the IPAA/PESA (Petroleum Equipment Supply Association) Energy Education Center. Her biggest accomplishment?

“I'm most proud of the funds the tournament generates for the Education Center. I believe that education is key to ensuring a robust and viable workforce for our industry. The high school petroleum academies are the perfect entry point for providing students with a foundation in engineering, geology, geophysics and global energy management. It is also an opportunity to reach the next generation with a positive energy message and experience,” Ogle said.
SGA created a new position with Ogle’s hiring. What prompted her to take the job? She said it mattered to her that during its long history SGA has always invested in the individuals who comprise the natural gas industry. She describes her responsibilities as driving excellence in day-to-day operations with a focus on delivering best-in-class customer service and excellent member experience.

“The association's mission to grow individuals through training, professional development and knowledge transfer aligns with my learning mindset. I place tremendous value on curiosity, learning, exploring concepts and critical thinking,” she said. “A learning approach combined with my passion for the industry and experience in multiple sectors made a powerful combination that I felt would add value to the association.

“With an energy transformation at hand, the association is operating in an exciting and important era. SGA plays an essential role in helping our member companies and their employees bridge information, get up to speed quickly, operate safely, and develop the critical thinking and creativity required to solve industry challenges,” she continued.

An association is only effective when it meets the needs of its members. Today the natural gas industry is still in the early years of the shale revolution with seemingly unlimited potential for what many have touted as the fuel of the 21st century. At the time, natural gas has come in the crosshairs of anti-fossil fuel opponents, who fear that its continued use will lead to damaging climate change, despite evidence to the contrary. It makes for a challenging time for natural gas executives to which Ogle gives well-thought-out answer.

“There is an energy transformation underway. The natural gas industry is at a crossroads exploring new opportunities such as renewable natural gas, pipeline safety management, risk mitigation and incorporating technology like virtual reality and artificial intelligence,” Ogle said. “Our member companies are working to transform, grow and adapt, and we are helping them in their efforts. While we provide training and networking opportunities, we are also champions for the natural gas industry.

“Together with our members, SGA thought leaders are tackling essential conversations about the issues that face our industry,” she continued. “Several initiatives were launched recently, including Natural Gas Champions, a communication training that empowers industry employees to have constructive conversations with the people whom they interact during their daily life. Discussions about how natural gas fits into the clean energy solution. These initiatives reflect how SGA is adapting to meet the changing environment we face.”

It is also essential that women continue to find leadership roles in the industry.

“Another initiative is Women and Leadership. The workforce is composed of more than 50% women,” Ogle said. “With this in mind, SGA launched an initiative to encourage education and awareness about the opportunities the natural gas industry provides for women. We had an overwhelming response, so we took advantage of this unique opportunity to embrace Women and Leadership as a role to develop our members with technical skills, as well as the soft managerial skills it takes to run great teams. When we develop leaders in a way that translates into long-term motivation for the people who work for them, we accelerate individual growth and business results in a sustainable fashion.  

Of equal importance for SGA, Ogle said, is continuing to respond to the needs of the individuals who comprise the industry.

“Other priorities for our team are to personalize member communication and member experience. We are using individual learning personas to help our members create a road map to achieve their career goals.  These focuses are to enhance member satisfaction, well-being and resiliency with resources that support our members throughout their career.

“As you can see, while the Southern Gas Association is more than a century old and a lot has changed over the years, one thing remains the same, our commitment to innovate, connect and work together to write the next chapter for a sustainable tomorrow,” Ogle concluded.

One hundred eleven years and counting. Don’t be surprised if we’re still talking about SGA in 2130.

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