October 17, 2026. The American Gas Association (AGA) announced recipients of several of its highest honors at AGA’s Executive Conference, celebrating exemplary leadership and service across the natural gas industry.
AGA presented the Association’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Hank Linginfelter in recognition of more than thirty years of outstanding service and leadership in the natural gas industry. Throughout his career, Hank oversaw operations serving nearly 5 million customers, guided thousands of employees and helped navigate some of the most significant changes in the natural gas industry. During his career with Southern Company Gas, Atlanta Gas Light, Nicor Gas, Virginia Gas and Chattanooga Gas, Hank played a pivotal role in bringing multiple operating utilities together under a unified framework to strengthen operational performance, improve reliability and position these organizations for long-term success in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. As a member of AGA’s Leadership Council, Hank contributed to important conversations on natural gas markets, policy and utility governance. He served as executive vice president of Southern Company Gas from 2007 until his retirement in 2019 and continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for Southwest Gas Holdings.
AGA’s Natural Gas Industry Leadership Award honors individuals who demonstrate notable achievement and leadership among their peers in pursuit of operational excellence. This year, two distinguished individuals were recognized.
Donna DeCarolis, Senior Energy Policy Advisor & Former President, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, is recognized for more than four decades of leadership in advancing the safe, reliable and sustainable delivery of natural gas. Her career included leadership roles in investor relations, customer quality assurance, human resources, government affairs and other key operational functions. She served as president of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation from 2019 to 2025 and currently serves as its senior energy policy advisor.
Ross Turrini is honored for his thirty years of leadership in natural gas operations, asset management, regulatory compliance and safety. As COO of Southern California Gas Company and an active member of AGA committees, he contributed to industry discussions on safety, reliability and operational excellence. Before joining Southern California Gas, Ross had a long and impactful career at National Grid of nearly twenty years.