Leadership Development
In partnership with Rutgers University and Bryant University, NGA is pleased to bring back its professional development program: Leadership in Tomorrow's Utility.
About the Program
Leadership I Program - For New and Aspiring Managers
Leadership II - For Mid to Upper-Level Managers
Executive Leadership Development
Who should attend?
We have designed two programs to meet the continuous education needs of new and aspiring supervisors, managers and mid- to upper-level managers. This is also an opportunity for those who are new to the industry to enhance their understanding of the unique regulatory framework and enhance their professional network.
What's the format?
The programs open with in-person sessions, 2-4 virtual sessions, and conclude with an in-person session. The in-person sessions are held at Rutgers University's Camden, NJ campus and Bryant University's Smithfield, RI Campus.
What can students expect?
A highly interactive learning experience featuring industry executives and subject matter experts. The sessions will impart essential leadership experience and diverse industry and management
knowledge.
You will also gain additional knowledge and an enhanced understanding of the trends and conditions impacting the Northeast energy industry.
Finally, you'll join a network of industry-rising professionals with similar responsibilities and a shared desire to succeed. Create lasting relationships with industry professionals from
companies in the Northeast.
Leadership I Program - For New and Aspiring Managers
Leadership Development I at Bryant University - located at 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield RI 02917 - returns this fall!
Leadership Development I - Fall 2026 Program
-
Tuesday, September 22nd (on campus - 8:30-4:00PM):
- Introductions
- Understanding Behavioral Styles to Improve Communication
- Understanding the Utility Bill
- Innovation in the Utility Industry
- Economic Outlook of the Energy Market
-
Wednesday, September 23rd (on campus - 8:00-3:00PM):
- Emotional Intelligence
- Effective Meetings
-
Tuesday, October 6th (Virtual Lunch & Learn 1:00 – 3:00PM):
- Motivational Leadership
-
Wednesday, October 7th (Virtual Lunch & Learn 1:00 – 3:00PM):
- Motivational Leadership
-
Tuesday, October 20th (on campus 8:30AM-4:30PM):
- Power and Influence
-
Public Relations & Communications in the Natural Gas Industry
- Risk
- Regional Infrastructure Development: An Update from Enbridge
-
Wednesday, October 21st (on campus 8:30-2:30PM):
- Professional Business Communications
- Leading High Performing Teams
- Closing Ceremonies
Registration:
Please head over to our member portal to register. Should you have any questions, please email events@northeastgas.org for help.
Registration Rates:
Members - $3,095
Non-Members - $4,820
If you need a hotel room, Bryant recommends the following:
Lincoln Courtyard Marriott
Hampton Inn & Suites Providence/Smithfield
Leadership II Program - For Mid to Upper-Level Managers
Leadership Development II at Rutgers University - located at 227 Penn Street
Camden, NJ - returns this fall!
Leadership Development II Fall 2026 Program:
In Person Learning Sessions
- September 8, 2026 (12:00PM – 4:00PM)
- Registration, Lunch, Networking
- Welcome & Program Overview
- Industry Trends: Natural Gas Supply & Regulatory Dynamics
- Understanding your style, Learning Styles, Indentifying your Strengths
- Leadership Frameworks
- September 9, 2026 (9:00AM – 4:00PM)
- Team Dynamics
- Empathy
- Generative AI/Prompt Engineering Workshop
- Resilience
- Time Management/Meeting Management
- Project Management
- September 10 (9:00AM – 12:00PM)
- Industry Trends
- Managing Change/Continuous Improvement
- Introduction to Program Project
Virtual Learning Sessions
-
- Virtual Session 1: October 6, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Industry Trends: Sustainability & Emerging Energy
- Virtual Session 2: November 10, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Industry Trends: Labor Management
- Virtual Session 3: December 8, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Industry Trend: Emergency Management
- Virtual Session 4: January 12, 2027 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Industry Trend: Safety Management Systems
Program Captone – In Person
- February 9, 2027 (9:00AM – 4:00PM)
- Registration, Lunch, Networking
- Welcome & Program Overview
- Coaching/Human Capital Development
- Strategic Communications
- February 10, 2027 (9:00AM – 4:00PM)
- Industry Trends (Government Relations)
- Risk Management
- Analysis and Decision Making
- Personal Brand
- Project Presentation – Practice Sessions
- February 11, 2027 (9:00AM – 12:00PM)
- Project Presentations
Registration:
Please email events@northeastgas.org for help with registration.
Registration Rates:
Members - $3,295
Non-Members - $5,145
If you need a hotel room, Rutgers recommends the following:
Hilton Garden Inn Hotels in Camden, NJ - Find Hotels - Hilton
Executive Leadership Development
This new Executive Leadership Program is designed to equip senior executives with the strategic,
operational, & transformational leadership capabilities required to guide their organizations through
this pivotal era for the natural gas industry. Don’t manage the energy evolution - Lead it!
Transformative Blend of Learning Experiences: Two intensive 2.5-day in-person executive sessions provide deep immersion and high-value networking. Focused monthly Virtual Executive Forums, and Peer Learning Circles deliver ongoing application and peer support throughout the year. Sessions will be taught by industry thought leaders, policymakers, and executives.
This program is for new and existing senior leaders including vice presidents and presidents.
For questions or to apply contact Alana Daly, Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Policy, at adaly@northeastgas.org.
NGA has booked a room block with a discounted rate available to all attendees, at the Westin Waltham. For overnight accomodations, please click here. This link will expire on October 15th.
Program Overview & Curriculum
- Duration: 11 Months
- Two in-person Executive Institutes (2.5 days each)
- 9 Monthly Virtual Executive Forums (90 minutes each)
- 9 Monthly Virtual Peer Learning Circles (90 minutes)
- Monthly Virtual Individual Executive Coaching Sessions (optional add-on)
Month 1 - Executive Institute I: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Enterprise
Day 1- November 4, 2026 (Waltham, MA)
|
Time |
Topic |
|
11:00 AM |
Welcome & Program Overview José Costa, President & CEO, Northeast Gas Association |
|
11:30 AM |
Ethics, Accountability and Organizational Structure Instructors:Kathy Boden, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Consolidated Edison (retired)Jim Howe, Owner, Bay Utility Associates, LLC |
|
12:30 PM |
Networking Lunch |
|
1:15 PM |
Ethics, Accountability and Organizational Structure (continued) Instructors:Kathy Boden, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Consolidated Edison (retired)Jim Howe, Owner, Bay Utility Associates, LLC |
|
3:15 PM |
Adjourn – Check into hotel |
|
4:30 PM |
GUILD of Gas Managers Guest Speaker: Jeremy McDiarmid, MA Department of Public Utilities Chair |
Day 2 – November 5
|
Time |
Topic |
|
9:00 AM |
Executive Leadership, People, Organizations Instructors:Bill Akley, President, Gas Business, Eversource Energy (retired)Jim Howe, Owner, Bay Utility Associates, LLC |
|
12:00 PM |
Lunch & Networking Break |
|
12:45 PM |
Developing & Leading High Performing Teams Instructor: Susan Clancy, Executive Coach, Integrative Leadership Strategies, LLC |
|
2:45 PM |
Networking Break |
|
3:15 PM |
Critical Decision Making Instructors:Bill Akley, President, Gas Business, Eversource Energy (retired)Jim Howe, Owner, Bay Utility Associates, LLC |
|
5:15 PM |
Adjourn |
|
6:15 PM |
Leadership Dinner & Fireside Chat with a current industry chief executive Utility CEO Invited |
Day 3 - November 6
|
Time |
Topic |
|
9:00 AM |
Enterprise Leadership Alignment Instructors:Bill Akley, President, Gas Business, Eversource Energy (retired)Kathy Boden, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Consolidated Edison (retired) |
|
11:00 AM |
Recap & Looking Ahead: Overview of the rest of the program |
|
11:30 AM |
Adjourn |
Month 2
December 9th: 90-Minute Live Session Peer Learning Circle: Work through current leadership challenges with an industry executive as facilitator
December 16th: 90-Minute Live Session Virtual Executive Forum #1: Positioning Utilities for Long-Term Success
Month 3
January 13th: 90-Minute Live Session Peer Learning Circle: Work through current leadership challenges with an industry executive as facilitator
January 20th: 90-Minute Live Session Virtual Executive Forum #2: Scenario Planning and Strategic Thinking with ScottMadden
Month 4
February 10th: 90-Minute Live Session Peer Learning Circle: Work through current leadership challenges with an industry executive as facilitator
February 17th: 90-Minute Live Session Virtual Executive Forum #3: Executive Decision Making Under Pressure with Nick Stavropoulos, President & COO, PG&E (Retired)
March 17th: 90-Minute Live Session Virtual Executive Forum #4: Crisis Leadership: Superstorm Sandy with Craig Lynch, Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery, New Jersey Natural Gas (Retired)
Month 6
April 14th: 90-Minute Live Session Peer Learning Circle: Work through current leadership challenges with an industry executive as facilitator
April 21st: 90-Minute Live Session Virtual Executive Forum #5: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Leadership
Month 7 - Executive Institute II: Leading Transformation & Creating Lasting Impact
Day 1 – May 11, 2027 (NYC Metro Area)
|
Time |
Topic |
|
12:00 PM |
Welcome Reconnect Lunch |
|
12:30 PM |
The Future of the Natural Gas Industry: A Presentation & Roundtable Discussion with industry executives Michael Colpoys, President, National Fuel Gas Distribution CorporationScott Rupff, President, Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company (invited) |
|
2:30 PM |
Networking Break |
|
3:00 PM |
External Dynamics: Stakeholder Engagement Instructors:Bill Akley, President, Gas Business, Eversource Energy (retired)Kathy Boden, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Consolidated Edison (retired) |
|
5:00 PM |
Adjourn |
|
6:00PM |
Leadership Dinner & Fireside Chat Former New York State Public Service Commissioner (invited) |
Day 2 – May 12
|
Time |
Topic |
|
9:00 AM |
Executive Finance Non-Financial Leaders Instructors:Mark Kahrer, Senior Vice President, New Jersey Natural Gas CompanyKathy Boden, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Consolidated Edison (retired) |
|
12:00 PM |
Networking Lunch |
|
1:00 PM |
Executive Finance Non-Financial Leaders (continued) Instructors:Mark Kahrer, Senior Vice President, New Jersey Natural Gas CompanyKathy Boden, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Consolidated Edison (retired) |
|
2:00 PM |
Financial Market Outlook Presentation & Visit to Ratings Agency Speaker: Gabe Moreen, Mizuho Securities |
|
4:30 PM |
Adjourn |
|
6:00PM |
Leadership Dinner & Fireside Chat with a utility CEO Utility CEO Invited |
Day 3 – May 13
|
Time |
Topic |
|
9:00 AM |
Crisis Planning Leadership Instructors:Bill Akley, President, Gas Business, Eversource Energy (retired)Kathy Boden, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Consolidated Edison (retired) |
|
12:00 PM |
Networking Lunch |
|
1:00 PM |
Strategic Integration Commitments & Roundtable Discussion Instructors:Bill Akley, President, Gas Business, Eversource Energy (retired)Kathy Boden, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Consolidated Edison (retired) |
|
3:00 PM |
Recap & Looking Ahead: Overview of the rest of the program Adjourn |
Month 8
June 9th: 90-Minute Live Session Peer Learning Circle: Work through current leadership challenges with an industry executive as facilitator
June 16th: 90-Minute Live Session Virtual Executive Forum #6: Managing Regulatory and Legislative Relationships
Month 9
July 14th: 90-Minute Live Session Peer Learning Circle: Work through current leadership challenges with an industry executive as facilitator
July 21st : 90-Minute Live Session Virtual Executive Forum #7: The Importance of the Union Partnership
Month 10
August 11th: 90-Minute Live Session Peer Learning Circle: Work through current leadership challenges with an industry executive as facilitator
August 18th: 90-Minute Live Session Virtual Executive Forum #8: Leadership with the Customer in Mind with Thomas P. Meissner Jr., Chairman of the Board & CEO, Unitil Corporation
Month 1-11 Individual Coaching Session: This is an additional optional component where individuals will work through challenges with a trained coach on a monthly basis.
Month 11 – Program Concludes at the NGA annual Executive Conference, September 12-14, 2027!
Registration Rates: Members - $5,995 Non-Members - $7,995
For questions or to apply contact Alana Daly, Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Policy, at adaly@northeastgas.org
Registration is limited!
To register please visit: NGA's Member
Portal and/or email events@northeastgas.org.
For questions please email Alana Daly at adaly@northeastgas.org and events@northeastgas.org.