Event Summary
Natural Gas NOW is a strategic learning session grounded in today’s energy realities—not ideology, not theory, and not yesterday’s assumptions.
Based on the 2026 Chair Theme from SGA Board Chair Shawn Patterson, President & CEO of Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, this course examines why natural gas is central to America’s energy security, economic resilience, and environmental progress—right now, at a moment of rising demand, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapid technological change.
Participants will explore the data, infrastructure, workforce, and innovation trends shaping the next decade of natural gas—and, more importantly, the leadership actions required to share our story, grow our capabilities, and advance the industry with confidence and credibility.
This is a call to informed leadership, designed to equip industry professionals with the context, language, and strategic perspective needed to lead conversations inside their organizations, across communities, and with policymakers.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain why natural gas is critical now—using current demand, infrastructure, and emissions data to support informed decision-making and communication.
- Connect energy security, economic growth, and environmental stewardship through the role natural gas plays in power generation, LNG exports, and grid reliability.
- Apply SGA’s three pillars—Share, Grow, Advance—as a practical leadership framework for industry engagement, workforce development, and innovation.
- Identify leadership actions individuals and organizations can take to strengthen infrastructure modernization, workforce readiness, and technology adoption.
- Articulate a clear, confident narrative about natural gas that resonates with employees, communities, partners, and stakeholders.
Who Should Attend
- Utility, pipeline, transmission, and distribution professionals
- Executives and senior leaders shaping strategy and investment decisions
- Emerging leaders seeking industry context and leadership grounding
- Policy, regulatory, communications, and community engagement teams
- Associate members and partners supporting innovation and infrastructure
Speaker
Shawn Patterson
SGA Board Chair
President & CEO, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline
Shawn L. Patterson became President & Chief Executive Officer of Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline in 2022; he started with Southern Star in 2017. Prior to joining Southern Star, Mr. Patterson was the Senior Vice President of Operations at TransCanada Pipeline USA Ltd. He also held the previous roles of Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President at Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc. and General Manager for Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Mr. Patterson began his career in the industry in 1995 with a passion for building strong teams, safety culture, growth platforms and optimizing organizations’ capabilities. He is a driven executive leader and takes pride in team success. Mr. Patterson has been recognized by industry associates for his innovative approach to business solutions.
Mr. Patterson received his undergraduate degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He serves on the boards of ONE Future, the Southern Gas Association, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, and the Regional Water Resource Agency (Wastewater Services for Owensboro & Daviess County, KY).
Moderator
Suzanne Ogle
President & CEO, SGA Natural Gas Association
Suzanne Ogle is a nationally recognized leader in the energy sector, serving as President and CEO of the SGA Natural Gas Association and President of the Gas Machinery Research Council. Known for her visionary leadership and servant heart, Suzanne is a passionate advocate for energy reliability, natural gas innovation, and the people behind the pipeline.
Her career spans boardrooms and breakout sessions, where she’s redefined what it means to convene, train, and advance a modern energy workforce. Under her leadership, SGA has evolved into North America’s premier training hub and industry connector — without ever losing sight of its founding purpose: to serve its members and strengthen the industry.
Suzanne brings data, heart, and humor to every conversation — and her message is always clear: when we lead with values, we build a stronger energy future.
