Virginia Natural Gas Officer Recognized by Business Community

November 15, 2002

Norfolk – Jodi Gidley, the first woman to be named vice president operations at Virginia Natural Gas (VNG), was recently recognized by Inside Business as one of its “Top 40 Under 40” for the Hampton Roads area.

The honor is given to men and women under age 40 who have made significant contributions to the Hampton Roads community through their business and charitable endeavors. Gidley and the other recipients were honored at a dinner on Oct. 21.

“We are so pleased to see Jodi receive this honor from her peers in the business community,” said Hank Linginfelter, president of VNG. “Jodi has been successful in her career at VNG, and she epitomizes the young professional who is committed to giving back to the community.”

As vice president operations, Gidley oversees VNG’s field operations, distribution, meter reading and related customer services as well as finance, planning and budgeting.

Gidley joined VNG in 1986 in the gas supply department. She moved to the finance, planning and budgeting department in 1993, becoming its director in 2001. She was named vice president operations in June 2002.

Gidley, who holds a mathematics degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Old Dominion University, has focused on finding a balance between her career, community and family.

“If you put in the effort, you can make a difference,” she is quoted in Inside Business.

Gidley serves as a board member of d’Art Center and of Junior Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads. She has chaired VNG’s United Way campaign and volunteers time with the Girl Scouts, the March of Dimes and Special Olympics.

Gidley plans to continue her community service work, hoping to involve her daughters as well. Her next goal is to show her children that kids can make a difference, too.