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The Northeast Gas Association (NGA) is a regional trade association that focuses on education and training, technology research and development, pipeline safety, energy reliability and affordability, and environmental initiatives in the Northeast U.S.

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Announcing the 2025 Gas Operation School Keynote, Jim Howe and Captain John Cox - Cross Industry Insights on Safety

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Announcing the 2025 Gas Operation School Keynote, Jim Howe and Captain John Cox – Cross Industry Insights on Safety

NGA is pleased to announce that at this year’s Gas Operations School, two distinguished leaders will deliver the keynote address, offering a compelling discussion on safety management systems (SMS) and safety culture across the natural gas and aviation industries. While these fields initially appear vastly different, they share a critical commonality: a near-zero tolerance for error, and the responsibility of serving millions safely and reliably every day.

Jim Howe is the owner of Bay Utility Associates, LLC, where he provides consulting services to utilities and related organizations. His extensive career includes senior leadership roles at Pacific Gas & Electric, National Grid and Columbia Gas of Massachusetts. At PG&E, Jim led a wide variety of change initiatives, and has been instrumental in shaping pipeline safety management systems. His experience spans engineering, operations, regulatory strategy, asset management, training, quality management, and other aspects for two of the largest gas distribution networks in the U.S.

Captain John Cox is CEO of Safety Operating Systems and co-founder of Aviation Safety Compliance, LLC. With over five decades in aviation—including as a commercial pilot, instructor, and safety professional—John has been a leader in implementing SMS in both aviation and utility sectors. Since retiring from US Airways with over 14,000 flight hours, he has continued advancing safety practices as a consultant, media analyst, and safety auditor for international aviation organizations.

Together, Jim and John will explore key topics such as risk management, defining acceptable risk, cultivating a safety-first culture, and driving innovation. Drawing from real-world incidents and decades of leadership, they will share practical insights and lessons learned. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with tools to strengthen or launch their own safety management system initiatives.