Virginia Natural Gas Appoints Shannon Pierce as Vice President of Strategy and Chief Administrative Officer 

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – October 2, 2023 – Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) announces the appointment of Shannon Pierce as Vice President of Strategy and Chief Administrative Officer, effective October 2, 2023.

With a background including a role as Vice President, Growth, and Chief External Affairs Officer at SouthStar Energy Services, a subsidiary of VNG’s parent Southern Company Gas, Pierce brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Reporting directly to VNG President Robert Duvall, she will be a key strategic advisor, taking the helm on VNG’s growth and external affairs strategies.

"We are truly grateful to welcome Shannon Pierce into our VNG family as our Vice President of Strategy and Chief Administrative Officer. We are deeply appreciative of her vast experience and steadfast dedication to our community, which complements our mission and values,” said Duvall.

Pierce's career began as a lawyer for McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond. She joined Southern Company Gas in 2004, where she started as regulatory counsel and ascended through leadership roles in Legal, External Affairs, and Utility Operations. Beyond her professional commitments, she has held leadership roles in multiple corporate initiatives, including workforce development efforts, the LEAD (Inclusion) Council, employee resource groups, and EverGreen, an employee group that promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Pierce's community engagement extends to various memberships, including the Virginia State Bar, the Energy Bar Association, and the American Association of Blacks in Energy. She is especially passionate about the YWCA and has served on the board of directors and executive committee for the YWCA of Greater Atlanta and continued her service to the organization as a member of the board of directors of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.

She has also received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, underscoring her dedication and leadership. Her awards include a 2023 Atlanta Business Chronicle Leader in Corporate Citizenship, the Quad County (IL) Urban League’s 2020 Women of Power, and as one of Atlanta Business League’s 2017 and 2023 100 Women of Influence, among others.

Pierce, a native of Surry, Virginia, holds both an undergraduate and law degree from the University of Virginia. She is committed to her alma mater and is an emeritus member of the board of managers for the alumni association.

“Pierce’s exceptional background and dedication to community service makes her a valuable addition to the VNG team,” said Duvall.