Virginia Natural Gas Announces Executive Leadership Changes as Part of Company’s Long-Term, Strategic Succession Planning
Shannon O. Pierce appointed to senior vice president role for Southern Company Gas and president of Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Beach, VA. – September 26, 2024 - Virginia Natural Gas parent company, Southern Company Gas, today announced executive leadership changes as the company continues its focus on building the future of energy and providing best-in-class service and value for customers.
Shannon O. Pierce, vice president of strategy and chief administrative officer for Virginia Natural Gas, has been appointed senior vice president of Southern Company Gas and president of Virginia Natural Gas, effective immediately. Robert Duvall, current president and chief executive officer of Virginia Natural Gas, will continue to serve as CEO until his retirement on April 1, 2025. Pierce will assume the role of CEO upon Duvall’s retirement.
"We are incredibly grateful for Robert’s leadership and significant contributions to our company, customers and communities over decades of service," said Jim Kerr, Southern Company Gas chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Shannon brings extensive and unique leadership experiences into her new roles, which align with the company's values and will help to build on Robert’s legacy of success. As our customers’ needs continue to grow and evolve, these transitions will strategically position Southern Company Gas, Virginia Natural Gas and our other subsidiaries to enhance the value and quality of service our customers expect and deserve."
Pierce has 20 years of experience within Southern Company Gas, serving in leadership roles with increasing responsibility in legal, regulatory and external affairs, and commercial and utility operations. In her current role, Pierce serves as a strategic advisor to the president and CEO, leading the development of growth and external affairs strategies and overseeing financial performance and planning for Virginia Natural Gas, which delivers natural gas service to more than 310,000 customers in southeastern Virginia.
A native of Surry, VA, and a leader closely engaged in communities throughout Virginia and Georgia, Pierce’s involvement in the community and professional associations includes membership in the Virginia State Bar, the American Association of Blacks in Energy and the Workforce Development Executive Council of the Center for Energy Workforce Development. Additionally, she is a member of the LEAD Virginia class of 2024, a member, former board member and past president of the Energy Bar Association Southern Chapter. She has also served on boards for various not-for-profit organizations focusing on education and economic equity and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pierce received both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Virginia and is an emeritus member of the board of managers for the school’s alumni association..
About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving over 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, Virginia Natural Gas was again named a Top Workplace in 2024. The company has earned recognition for its safety, reliability and customer focus among natural gas service providers, consistently ranking in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Office: 757-616-7510 | Cell: 757-725-6916
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