Blog
LGA Celebrates Successful 2026 Annual Operations Conference and Announces Board Leadership Updates
LAFAYETTE, LA — November 2026 — The Louisiana Gas Association (LGA) successfully concluded its 2026 Annual Operations Conference, held October 26–28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lafayette, Louisiana. The three-day event brought together natural gas industry professionals, operators, suppliers, and association leaders for educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the Association's Annual Membership Meeting.
The conference kicked off with a day of outdoor activities, including the annual Golf Tournament and BBQ Cook-Off. Nine teams competed in this year's cook-off, with Instrumentation & Electrical Specialist (IES) earning the Overall Champion title. Attendees also enjoyed an exhibit hall featuring 29 participating companies, an evening reception, and educational sessions covering important topics affecting Louisiana's natural gas industry.
The conference concluded with LGA's Annual Membership Meeting on October 28, where members received Association updates and elected directors to fill expiring Board terms.
2026 Board of Directors Election Results
During the Annual Membership Meeting, LGA members elected seven directors to serve three-year terms on the Board of Directors.
Distribution Representatives
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Thomas Smith — Gas Utility District #1 of East Baton Rouge Parish
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Denise Turner — Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government
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Michael St. Romain — South Coast Gas Co., Inc.
Associate Representatives
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Marshall Harris — Ferguson Waterworks
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Randall Rogers — Company affiliation to be confirmed
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Brandon Green — EGW Utility Solutions
At-Large Representative
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Eric Herrera — Kerotest MFG
No Transmission Director terms expired during this election cycle. However, one Transmission representative position remains vacant, and eligible members interested in serving are encouraged to contact the LGA office for additional information.
Board Approves Officer Transitions and New Appointments
In addition to the annual elections, the LGA Board of Directors approved several leadership transitions and appointments following recent retirements and resignations.
First Vice President Chris Gray of Delta Utilities announced his retirement and resignation from the Board, with his official retirement scheduled for December 4, 2026. Gray has served on the LGA Board of Directors for five years, contributing his time, leadership, and industry knowledge to the Association. LGA extends its sincere appreciation for his dedicated service and wishes him the very best in retirement.
Following Gray's resignation, the Board approved the advancement of Darrell Dugas of the City of Denham Springs from Second Vice President to First Vice President. Cole Vanderlick of the City of Alexandria will advance from Secretary to Second Vice President.
To fill the resulting Secretary vacancy, the Board elected Kevin Hargis of Atmos Energy, an existing member of the Board of Directors.
Additionally, Robert Westfall of Delta Utilities was appointed to fill the permanent Delta Utilities Board seat previously held by Chris Gray.
Earlier in the year, former Treasurer Ken Drone announced his retirement, leaving a vacancy in the Association's leadership. During the 3rd Quarter Board Meeting, the Board elected Dustin Smith of Atmos Energy to serve as Treasurer. The Board also approved Todd Abshire, representing the Louisiana Municipal Gas Association (LMGA) and Louisiana Rural Water Association (LRWA), to fill the Board vacancy left by Drone's retirement in July.
LGA Board Officers Following the Transitions
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President: Nathan Gray — Enterprise Products
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First Vice President: Darrell Dugas — City of Denham Springs
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Second Vice President: Cole Vanderlick — City of Alexandria
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Secretary: Kevin Hargis — Atmos Energy
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Treasurer: Dustin Smith — Atmos Energy
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Immediate Past President: Larry Williams — City of Walker
Recognizing Dedicated Service
LGA also extends its appreciation to Terry Thibodeaux of GridSource, who has completed his service on the Board of Directors.
Thibodeaux has been a longtime leader of LGA's Scholarship Program Committee, dedicating countless hours to supporting the Association's scholarship initiatives and helping provide educational opportunities for the families of LGA members.
As he steps away from his Board and committee leadership roles, Thibodeaux has selected Jacob Volpi of GridSource to succeed him as Scholarship Program Committee Chair.
LGA sincerely thanks Thibodeaux for his commitment, leadership, and many contributions to the Association. His dedication to the Scholarship Program has made a lasting impact, and the Association looks forward to continuing that work under Volpi's leadership.
Looking Ahead
The Louisiana Gas Association extends its congratulations to all newly elected and returning Board members and expresses its gratitude to those who continue to volunteer their time in service to the Association.
The success of the 2026 Annual Operations Conference reflects the continued dedication of LGA's members, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers. The Association looks forward to another year of advancing natural gas safety, education, industry collaboration, and professional development throughout Louisiana.
For more information about the Louisiana Gas Association, upcoming events, or opportunities to become involved, visit www.LouisianaGas.org.