Cybersecurity: What is the Correct Amount?
Event Summary
To explore what is the right amount of cybersecurity in OT.
Session Objectives
- To foster discussion amongst the panelists and webinar participants around cyber in OT
- To collaborate and share possible successes and failures in our cyber approach and program.
- To address and talk through concerns of restrictions.
- Discuss convergence of IT/OT.
Target Audience
All Natural Gas Industry Employees
Instructor
Matt Bruner
Manager, Cybersecurity Operations | Williams
Matthew Bruner is a well-rounded technology professional with over 25 years of experience. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Information Assurance from Oklahoma State University and a CISSP certification, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. He has spent 9 years within The Williams Companies, Inc. family of businesses, holding various roles before being appointed as the Manager of Cybersecurity in 2015. Focusing on both the IT and OT areas, Matt is responsible for detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber threats, advising business leaders on cyber risk, and collaborating with internal and external partners to achieve business objectives while ensuring a safe and secure operating environment.Patrick Blumer
Lead Gas Control Analyst | Centerpoint Energy
Patrick Blumer is an IT and Cybersecurity Professional with 16+ years of experience in IT. Patrick is a Lead Gas Control System Analyst for Centerpoint Energy in Houston, Texas. After serving in the Army, Patrick held multiple roles in physical security jobs before using his GI bill to attend Vincennes University in Indiana. Patrick has obtained a BS in Technology (2010) and an AAS in Computer Network and Wireless Security (2009) from Vincennes University. He also holds and has held certifications from Vendors such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, and ISACA and is working on obtaining the prestigious CISSP certification. Patrick currently resides in Kemah, Texas and enjoys going to the ocean and helping others in the IT field.Lead Gas Control Analyst | Centerpoint Energy
Bob Baine, GCFA, CFCE
Cybersecurity Solution Architect | Spire
Bob is an experienced incident response consultant and certified computer forensic examiner with 22 years of digital forensics experience coupled with 21 years of investigative experience as a law enforcement officer and detective. Bob has been with Spire since September, 2019 and takes pride in providing the most complete and accurate root cause analysis and incident response investigations possible to provide accurate steps of remediation and preventative recommendations. Along with other members of Cybersecurity, Bob uses his experience and personal drive to work toward ensuring Spire’s applications, solutions and processes properly align with security best practices. In addition, Bob provides litigation and eDiscovery support by ensuring respondent data is collected and/or preserved in a defensible manner and available per eDiscovery request.
Earlier this year, Bob transitioned to a Solutions Architect, Cybersecurity role and is now bringing that same dedication to ensuring cybersecurity is a focus from the beginning of Spire’s projects and application onboarding. Bob has already completed projects including EDR/XDR implementation, Email Security Gateway implementation and configuration, and Cyber Security Training and Phishing Campaigns. The proper tuning of these solutions, and the cybersecurity specialists managing them, have given our computer network a level of protection and visibility that wasn’t before present.
The Media’s Perspective of Covering Crisis Events
Event Summary
When unexpected events occur, our teams are quick to activate crisis communications response plans with the focus of providing relevant information to the public while managing the company’s reputation. Have we stopped to think of the different angles reporters may take to tell those stories? This course aims to help you understand the media’s perspective of crisis events and how to maintain awareness of their objectives, so your organization’s response tactics are effective.
Course Objectives
Understand the goals, expectations, and workflows of modern journalists to better align your crisis communication efforts while optimizing your interactions with media.
Target Audience
Communications professionals at any level who are seeking a broad perspective of the media’s coverage goals during crisis communications that impact the industry.
Instructors
Nathan Greve - Southern Star
Nathan is a communications professional with experience on both sides of the media coin. His work as a news anchor and reporter took him to different markets throughout America before bringing his expertise to the natural gas industry. Nathan is heavily involved in government relations and video production for Southern Star. Additionally, he has led education for the entire Southern Star team on best practices in communicating to the media in crisis situations. When not sharing the story about our industry, Nathan enjoys NASCAR races and studies early 20th century ocean liners.
Tyler has served as a Communications Specialist for Southern Star since late 2018. He has been involved in developing Southern Star’s visual branding through video production, internal/external communications, and media relations strategy. Before that, he spent several years working in a number of roles within the news department at WEHT/WTVW-TV, an ABC and CW affiliate in the Evansville, Indiana market. Both career paths equipped him with skills and experience to understand many facets of crisis communication, including how to maximize your interactions with media to reach the public effectively. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending his time with family and friends, listening to music, and playing guitar.
GMRC: Road to Zero Emissions
Event Summary
The energy transition will impact the Natural Gas industry for the years to come. Reaching zero emissions in compression is attainable, thanks to a mix of current and emerging technologies.
In this paper, we first explain how to quantify the emissions of reciprocating compressors, distinguishing between fugitive, energy-related, and vented emissions. We present three real-world case studies and analyze the lessons learned, quantifying the possible improvements already achievable with today’s technology. Then, we present a practical approach to emission reduction, which can be used as a guideline to reach zero emissions and maintain them over time.
Attendees will receive 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDH) upon completion.
Target Audience:
All level Engineers, Analysts, Technicians, Mechanics, FSRs, Project Managers and Reliability Engineers interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of Natural Gas Engines and Compressors.
Instructor
Guido Pratelli
Global Product Manager for Sustainability Offerings at Hoerbiger Wien GmbH.
- In HOERBIGER’s lingo, Sustainability Offerings is the combination of products, services and consultancy capabilities that enable net-zero operations of reciprocating compressors.
- Passionate about eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from compressors, contributing to a better tomorrow.
- He has been a Global Business Development Manager for Rings & Packings since 2019.
- Responsible for all the R&D projects involving new designs for Rings & Packings.
- Between 2016 and 2019, he has worked at Siemens – Dresser-Rand as a Project Development Manager, taking care of Dresser-Rand reciprocating compressors installed base in EMEA.
- Between 2010 and 2016, he has worked at Nuovo Pignone – GE Oil & Gas as a reciprocating compressor Design Engineer and R&D Engineer, especially focused on torsional analysis and Root Cause Analysis.
- He holds a M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Pisa, Italy.
Direct Use of Natural Gas v. Electrification
Event Overview
The emerging push toward electrification has gained traction in many areas, but is it really a beneficial alternative to the direct use of natural gas? This webinar reviews the background of electrification and examines the impact it would have on efficiency, carbon emissions, and the cost of energy in the U.S. The participant will learn how to communicate in a positive way about the role of natural gas in the future.
Attendees will receive 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDH) upon completion. Please email SGATraining@southerngas.org for this request.
Learning Objectives
- Know the background and history of electrification in the United States.
- Identify why and how various groups are pushing for a different type of electrification.
- Discover what electrification would mean for consumers and energy companies.
- Understand the impact on carbon emissions and energy prices.
- Communicate effectively about this subject.
Target Audience:
Any industry employees interested in improving their knowledge of the industry and their communication skills, particularly those that are engaged in any way with the public.
Instructor
Bill Cantrell
With more than 40 years of experience, Bill has become a trusted leader across the energy industry and developed a passion for working to advance the field. Before joining SGA, Bill was president and chief executive officer at SourceGas, now part of Black Hills Corp., an SGA member company. In 2009, he led SGA as chairman of the board of directors. Bill worked for TECO Energy for over 34 years, with the last 12 years serving as President of Peoples Gas. He received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Introduction to Environmental Regulations in the Natural Gas Industry with Environmental Laymen's Guide
EVENT SUMMARY
This class provides a basic regulatory understanding of the environmental regulations that directly affect the natural gas industry.
The natural gas industry includes a wide range of operations, facilities, and equipment from exploration and production wells to natural gas gathering lines and processing facilities to compression stations and storage facilities to transmission and distribution pipelines. Consequently, there are a wide range of different environmental laws, regulations and programs that apply to these various components of the natural gas industry. This class is intended to provide a basic overview and understanding of the regulatory universe, as well as different regulatory programs applicable to the natural gas industry.
The class includes a copy of the Layman’s Guide to Environmental Regulations in the Natural Gas Industry.
Attendees will receive 2 Professional Development Hours (PDH) upon completion.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding the use and familiarity of SGA’s Layman’s Guide to Environmental Regulations in the Natural Gas Industry.
- Gain knowledge of the regulatory framework and environmental compliance in the natural gas industry.
- Grow confidence by learning best practices and strategies for environmental compliance in natural gas operations.
- Identifying and mitigating risks associated with the natural gas industry’s value chain.
- Understanding the importance of compliance as it relates to environmental, social, and governance responsibilities.
Target Audience:
New to the industry, professionals who want a better understanding of the basic regulatory landscape that impacts the industry.
Instructor
Suzanne Ogle
President and CEO, Southern Gas Association
Suzanne Ogle is President and CEO of the Southern Gas Association. As CEO she helps SGA members overcome the challenges, they face operating in the natural gas industry and navigating public perception. With her entrepreneurial mindset and wide range of experience across the natural gas value chain from service, to exploration and production, midstream and transmission she focuses on business process, optimization and effective communication to prepare the SGA members for resilience and innovation in an industry in transition.
Suzanne is an Accredited Public Relations and Certified Investor Relations professional. She holds an Advanced Marketing certificate from Southern Methodist University, as well as Finance Management, Business Analytics and Change Management certificates from Cornell University and an Executive Leadership for Energy Professionals certificate from the University of Houston. She received a Master of Education in educational psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in business marketing from California Lutheran University.
Keep Your Top Talent in a Post Pandemic World
Event Summary
Discover how you can master the art of maintaining a robust workforce in today’s rapidly evolving business climate through this insightful webinar. You’ll delve into the critical nuances of employee retention and engagement in the post-pandemic era, a key to ensuring your team’s resilience and success. As a leader in the gas industry, you’ll benefit from a rich tapestry of expert insight and innovative retention techniques, all woven into an engaging and interactive discussion format. This experience goes beyond just understanding the challenges – it’s about empowering you with strategies to keep your team motivated, committed, and at the forefront of a competitive landscape.
Course Objectives
- Post-Pandemic Workforce Trends: Discover how the pandemic has reshaped employee expectations and workplace dynamics.
- Retention Strategies: Learn effective methods and strategies to retain top talent in a rapidly evolving work environment.
- Employee Engagement and Motivation: Develop skills to enhance employee engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction.
- Adapting to New Normals: Understand how to adapt organizational policies and culture to meet the changing needs of the workforce.
Target Audience
Business owners, executives, HR professionals, and team leaders in the gas industry focused on retaining top talent and adapting to the changing workforce landscape post-pandemic.
Instructor
Lisa Ryan
Award Winning Speaker & Author
As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), an award-winning speaker, and author of eleven books, Lisa Ryan works with her clients to develop employee and client engagement initiatives and strategies that keep their top talent and best clients from becoming someone else’s. Lisa’s expertise includes: strengthening workplace culture, improving employee engagement, increasing customer retention, and initiating gratitude strategies (“Grategies”) for personal and professional benefit.
Lisa’s participants enjoy her high energy, enthusiastic delivery, and quick wit. They leave the session with ideas they are committed to acting on immediately to make positive workplace culture changes. Lisa costars in two films with other experts, including Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul. She is the past president of the National Speakers Association, Ohio Chapter, and holds an MBA from Cleveland State University. She has served on several trade association boards, including The American Welding Society, Cleveland Chapter, the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP), and Toastmasters International.
Relevant Experience:
- Keynote, breakout, or workshop speaker at more than 1000 national and international conferences and events
- Thirteen years of industrial marketing and sales experience, including seven years in the welding industry – and yes, she does weld
- Host of “Elevate Your Engagement Levels: What You Need to Know” on the Elite Expert Network
- Creator of “The Seven Mistakes Managers Make to Crush Company Culture” video series
- Best-selling author of ten books, including Manufacturing Engagement: 98 Proven Strategies to Attract and Retain Your Industry’s Top Talent
- Award-winning speaker
Taking Safety from the Executive Office to the Frontline
Event Summary
Every member of the organization fulfills a specific function to get the job done, and yet all are expected to be “responsible for safety.” How each person interprets that expectation is largely influenced by what they perceive is most important to their boss. Executives have a particularly wide scope of influence and accountability, so it is critical that they demonstrate commitment to safety through both words and actions, just as they do for production. It starts with leading by example, but true leadership goes beyond wearing proper PPE and ensuring others do the same.
Course Objectives
This session focuses on tactical activities for leaders and executives to create and sustain a culture of positive safety performance through leadership, communication, training and recognition. Safety doesn’t just happen – it is built through trust, consistency and accountability. Audience members will learn how to integrate these principles into their daily routines and performance cycles.
Target Audience
Leaders at all levels
Instructor
Kelly Scott | Caterpillar Safety Services
Kelly Scott has 18 years of experience in consultative selling and account management experience across diverse industries, including IT, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and the public sector. A passion for problem-solving, collaborative solutions, and a perpetual growth mindset drive her customer-first approach. Since joining Caterpillar Safety Services, she has helped many customers overcome organizational challenges by fostering growth and excellence through employee engagement, process improvement, and leadership empowerment. Her dedication to steering positive transformations, resulting in sustainable successes, highlights her commitment to positively impacting lives.
PHSMA Storage Update 2024
Event Summary
This is an Underground Storage specific PHMSA update, touching on standard updates such as implementation, inspections, risk management, best practices, and more.
Instructor
Catherine Washabaugh, PHMSA
Catherine Washabaugh has over 40 years of experience with the transportation of natural gas, hazardous liquids, and reservoir engineering. She has been with PHMSA for 10 years and is currently the operations supervisor for the UNGS Team, based in the Eastern Region. Catherine manages the inspection of UNGS facilities in the country and teaches the Underground Natural Gas Storage Course at PHMSA’s Training & Qualification Center (TQ) in Oklahoma City.
Catherine began her career with PHMSA as a Staff Engineer in the Central Region Office, conducting integrated inspections and construction inspections on both Hazardous Liquid and Natural Gas Pipelines. Catherine became a member of the UNGS Implementation Team in January 2017, formed as a result of the PIPES ACT of 2016.
Prior to PHMSA, Catherine worked for the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for over 30 years. Initially she worked in the Petroleum Engineering section of the MPSC performing reservoir engineering analysis, prorating natural gas fields, and providing expert testimony in pipeline cases, gas field proration cases and Gas Cost Recovery cases. Moving to the pipeline side, she conducted comprehensive and specialized inspections on intrastate and interstate pipelines, as well as investigating pipeline failures. Catherine is a former member of the Michigan Damage Prevention Board, working on legislation for the One Call law known as the MISS DIG Underground Facility Damage and Safety Act.
Catherine received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from Michigan Technological University and an MBA from the University of Michigan, majoring in Operations Management.
Generations in Harmony: Mastering the Art of Leading Multi-Generational Teams
Event Summary
Across all industries, for the first time ever in modern history, we are navigating a workplace with up to five generations. As a result, today’s leaders are faced with the complexity of managing very different perspectives, work styles, and preferences within multigenerational teams. While generational diversity can cause divide amongst teams, a harmonious environment and better business outcomes can be achieved if leaders navigate the multigenerational team dynamic effectively. Join us as we explore generational diversity and the various techniques that you can employ to master the art of leading multigenerational teams. In this session you will:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the unique characteristics, values, and preferences associated with different generations in the workplace.
- Understand the challenges of managing generational diversity.
- Identify strategies for creating an inclusive work environment that values and leverages the strength of every generation.
Instructor
Chereese Johnson
D&I Strategy Lead–Americas
As the Diversity & Inclusion Strategy Lead, Chereese Johnson provides consultation and advisement on D&I strategic plans and solutions for the Americas region, which covers ~30 business units across North America and South America.
A native of the south suburbs of Chicago, IL, Chereese received her Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and Finance from the University of Illinois @ Urbana/Champaign and Master of Business Administration in Strategy, Marketing, and Social Enterprise from the Kellogg School of Manage-ment at Northwestern University.
Throughout her career at Chevron, Chereese has held positions of increasing responsibility in HR Business partner and talent management leadership roles across Upstream, Technical Services, and Corporate operations. Prior to Chevron, Chereese held positions at Northern Trust Company and Hewitt Associates in Benefits Administration, where she managed projects and services related to Retiree Health & Welfare, 401K, and Pension plans.
In the Houston community, Chereese serves on the Board of Directors for the Avondale House and The Ensemble Theatre. She previously served on the Board for the NBMBAA Houston Chapter (2012-2020) and contributed to the Community Investment Process/Second Century Vision for the United Way Houston (2016-2022).
Legacy Systems: Risks, Security and Mitigation Strategy
Hosted by SGA’s IT & Cybersecurity Committee, this webinar discusses the various risks associated with legacy systems, including vendor and people risk, as well as the strategies that can be employed to mitigate these risks.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the risks of utilizing legacy systems
- Discuss the security approach to legacy systems
- Discuss mitigation steps that can be taken if legacy steps cannot be replaced
Instructor
Patrick Blumer Lead Gas Control Analyst | Centerpoint Energy
Patrick Blumer is an IT and Cybersecurity Professional with 16+ years of experience in IT. Patrick currently is a Lead Gas Control System Analyst for Centerpoint Energy located in Houston, Texas. After serving in the Army, Patrick held multiple roles in physical security jobs before using his GI bill to attend Vincennes University in Vincennes, Indiana. Patrick has obtained a BS in Technology (2010) and an AAS in Computer Network and Wireless Security (2009) from Vincennes University. He also holds and has held certifications from Vendors such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, and ISACA and is working on obtaining the prestigious CISSP certification. Patrick currently resides in Kemah, Texas and enjoys going to the ocean and helping others in the IT field.
Lead Gas Control Analyst | Centerpoint Energy
Methane Emissions: Measurement & Mitigation
Course Summary
Natural gas operators face many challenges to ensure their construction projects stay on time and budget while limiting disruption to the community and protecting the environment. From the PIPES Act to ESG/Sustainability and Emission Reduction Goals, gas operators face increasing pressure and expectations to reduce emissions. As a former utility operator, Gina Rundo has navigated the nebulous situation of knowing environmental commitments and goals have been set without a fully developed implementation plan. You likely have two very real concerns: operational and cost impacts – will these environmental measures be as safe as traditional methods? Will this disrupt the community or prolong the project? What options do I have? What equipment purchases do I need to consider? What other options do I have to manage? With Gina’s years of operational experience, she can answer those questions and address your concerns.
Who Should Attend
- Engineering
- Construction
- Innovation
- Sustainability/Environmental
- Safety
- Operations
Meet the Instructor
Gina Rundo
Director, Pipeline Operations | Versiv Solutions
Gina Rundo is currently the Director of Pipeline Operations for Versiv Solutions, a trusted leader in safety and environmental solutions for the energy and natural gas industries to help operators meet their ESG commitments by reducing methane emissions.
Gina oversees the daily operations of Versiv – creating opportunities, building customer and community relationships, and business operations. She brings over fifteen years of experience in the Energy industry with expertise in Natural Gas. Her past leadership roles with one of the nation’s largest energy providers included Corrosion Management, Integrity Management, GIS Services, Compliance & Asset Management. Before leading the creation of Versiv, Gina was responsible for leading internal live gas operations for this Fortune 200 utility, with a specific focus on Hot Tapping & Plugging, Pipeline Pigging, and Cross-Compression services on Distribution, Storage, and Transmission systems across multiple states.
Gina is recognized as a leading subject matter expert on implementing emission reduction technology, such as Cross Compression, into gas pipeline operations and sustainability and innovation strategy. As the first-ever Innovation and Sustainability lead for the Gas Infrastructure group at a Fortune 200 utility provider, she developed and executed the adoption and assessment of emerging technology.
Tips for Modeling RNG, NG-H2 Blends and Pure H2
Course Summary
Although hydraulic modeling is ubiquitous, there are “non-traditional” gases gaining in prominence which have properties that many of the most common hydraulic modeling equations and modeling methods do not sufficiently consider. This lecture will highlight several of the common modeling assumptions currently in practice and will suggest alternatives that address them for the creation of more accurate results.
Course Objectives
At the end of this lecture, the hydraulic modeler will be alerted to several common modeling equations and assumptions that work well for natural gas systems but are no longer valid for certain types of alternative gases. Each of these equations and assumptions will be explained and alternatives or substitutes will be provided. The lecturer understands there are several hydraulic modeling software programs available and will endeavor to remain program-neutral so that all hydraulic modelers, regardless of their preferred modeling program, will come away with useful, actionable information.
Who Should Attend
This course targets the hydraulic modeler who is tasked with modeling “green gases” for which they may not yet be familiar. The course assumes the attendee will already be at least somewhat experienced with hydraulic modeling.
Meet Your Instructor
Kevin Hemingway
DNV
Kevin Hemingway, P.E., Product Manager for Synergi Gas and Synergi Liquid. Kevin holds business and engineering degrees from Drexel University and Temple University, respectively. He joined the company in 1996 as a Client Support Engineer and has served in client-facing roles focused on gas and liquid hydraulic modeling his entire tenure.
Customer Communications: Best Practices & Lessons Learned
Event Summary
Customers are at the center of our industry and businesses. Learn how SGA member companies communicate with their customers and other stakeholders regarding safety, outages, winter heating and bill assistance.
The presentation will cover:
- Outage communications
- Winter communications
- Energy assistance communications
- Safety communications
Instructors
Bridget Wallace
Director of Marketing Services | Atmos Energy
Bridget is an experienced marketing and communications professional with more than 30 years of providing strategic marketing and communication direction, in addition to creating materials that help tell a story, influence consumer perception and behavior, and of course, stay on brand. She currently manages the marketing services team at Atmos Energy which supports 6 gas utility divisions with more than 3.2 million customers in eight states.
Briana McClendon
Brand Manager | Southern Company Gas
With nine years of experience in the Southern Company system in a variety of communications roles, Briana has spent the last four years of her career on the gas side of the business with the brand team. She currently manages customer communications for all four distribution companies serving 4 million customers in four states. She also manages the company’s digital and social media platforms and overall brand strategy.
Williams Case Study: Fueling the Debate Electrification of Compression White Paper Study
Event Overview
Online forum where Williams representatives talk about how a workgroup came together to examine key considerations for installing gas versus electric-driven compression, lessons learned, results of the study, and the purpose of utilizing the study to avoid exposing the energy value chain to further reliability risks with highly regionalized greenhouse gas reductions.
Target Audience
Project Developers, Project Managers, and Engineers in the natural gas pipeline industry
Instructors
Tyler Tunic
Williams Environmental Services
Tyler manages the Air Compliance and Emissions Reduction (ACER) group in Williams’ Environmental Services group in Houston, TX. His team is tasked with the “E” of Williams’ ESG efforts and ensuring Williams hits its emissions reduction targets. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University in 2014 and has worked for Williams ever since. Before joining Williams’ Environmental team, Tyler held various roles in Pipeline Engineering, Pipeline Control, and Commercial. Tyler is the Past-Chair of Young Pipeline Professionals (YPP) USA, the previous Young Pipeliners International (YPI) Co-Chair, Past-Chair the Public Policy, and Communications Committee within the INGAA Foundation, and current sits on INGAA’s Environment Committee. Tyler is a certified professional engineer in the state of Texas and obtained his MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport in 2020. The culmination of his industry advocacy work was recognized last year through his winning the Young Pipeline Professional Honor at the 2022 International Pipeline Conference (IPC) in Calgary.Scott Schubring
Williams
Scott Schubring is a mechanical engineer with over 22 years of experience in gas compression. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M and currently works as a Staff Engineer at Williams where he supports gas pipeline and midstream assets. Scott also sits on the Gas Machinery Research Council Board of Directors, where he collaborates with industry experts to identify, scope, and execute research projects associated with compression equipment to drive a clean energy future. In his free time, Scott enjoys building and driving off-road rock crawling buggies, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family outdoors.
Introduction to Natural Gas Midstream Facilities and Operations
Event Overview
This one-and-a-half-day virtual workshop provides natural gas professionals with an introduction to facilities and operations within the midstream segment of the natural gas industry. Non-technical descriptions of equipment and processes employed to gather, treat and process gas in order to render it commercially acceptable and to transport, store and trade the commodity prior to delivery to consumers are provided.
This class was held for 4 hours (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) each day on March 6 & 7. The recording is in two parts.
Topics Covered:
- Gas Industry segments and US supplies of natural gas
- Separation of gas at the wellhead
- Gathering of gas (measurement, composition analysis, and transport)
- Gas treating (acid and sour gas, dehydration)
- Gas processing (NGL recovery, ethane recovery/rejection)
- NGL transportation, fractionation (US markets and exports)
- Transportation of gas (gas transmission pipeline facilities: operations, P/L integrity, changes in flow patterns)
- Gas commodity location basis differential and implications
- Transportation of gas (LNG)
- Underground storage of gas
- Exports of gas
- Wholesale gas sales, deliveries to consumers, and commodity price hedging
- Produced water handling (new midstream entities)
Learning Objectives:
Participants will:
- Be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the size, source, and disposition of US natural gas supplies including domestic production, imports, consumption, and exports
- Be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of what physically happens to natural gas after it leaves the well on its journey to consumers
- Be able to identify and describe the services provided by gas midstream entities and how fees for such services are established
- Be able to identify and explain the relationship between midstream entities and both gas producers and gas consumers
- Be able to differentiate between entities charging market-based rates and rate-regulated entities and between entities bearing commodity price risk and those that do not
Target Audience:
Any relatively new employee of a gas industry entity and experienced gas industry professionals (administrative, financial, operations, legal, marketing, and other disciplines) seeking to broaden their understanding of the gas midstream segment.
Instructor
J.Richard Moore
Dick Moore has more than 40 years of experience in the energy industry including jobs in both regulated and unregulated segments of this industry. He has held senior management positions in oil and gas exploration and production companies, interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines, gas and electric utilities as well as natural gas gathering, processing and marketing companies.
Mr. Moore previously served on the Board of Directors of the Gas Processors Association and has held a position as adjunct faculty in the economics department at Richland College in Dallas. He serves as faculty for the Energy Executive Course at the University of Idaho and the Legislative Energy Horizons Institute of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region as well as the Professional Development Institute at the University of North Texas and has been a speaker on energy topics for the Maguire Energy Institute at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
5 Secrets of Successful Female Leaders
Event Summary
Women in today’s workforce are achieving greater levels of success and securing more leadership positions than ever before. However, they’re also battling imposter syndrome, workplace bias, and burnout from juggling “all the things”.
A lot of high-achieving women find themselves wondering, “Is it worth it?”.
After temporarily leaving the industry in 2017 due to burnout, it took Rachel Williams several coaching certifications and a few years of trial and error to figure out what really allows female leaders to be sustainably successful, kick imposter syndrome to the curb, and reach true success in ALL areas of life.
In this presentation hosted by SGA’s Women & Leadership Committee, Rachel will be sharing her five top tips that allowed her to maximize her career and leadership, while still having the time and energy to do the things she enjoys most in life!
You will learn:
- How to create your Authentic Leadership Blueprint, and why it’s important
- Mindset shifts that allow you to effectively manage more with less stress
- Rachel’s 4-D system for taking control of your schedule and life
- Integrating all areas for fulfillment
Instructor
Rachel B. Williams
Rachel B. Williams is a results-oriented environmental professional connecting the humans of Energy. With over 15 years of experience in environmental management, strategy, permitting and compliance across multiple energy industries – including, oil and gas, renewables, and electric transmission – she now focuses on business development as a Senior Project Manager at Tetra Tech. She finds connecting energy leaders with the experts and services they need to get their projects in-service and on-track quite fulfilling.
Rachel is also a Leadership Coach and Mentor helping professionals in STEM create well-paid, fulfilling careers that fit their unique strengths and expertise. She has served thousands of professionals through individualized high-level coaching, signature group programs, networking events, and leadership retreats. Passionate about leadership and development, she also volunteers her time to multiple leadership roles, including: Tetra Tech Professional Women’s Network and PWN Coaching Co-founder, Southern Gas Association’s Women & Leadership Committee, multiple mentoring programs, and inspirational speaking.
When not traveling, Rachel loves spending time with her family and friends in Houston, Texas, and getting out into nature as much as possible.
RNG - From Concept to Production
Event Summary
This webinar will discuss a Renewable Gas Project from start to finish. We will discuss what information is needed at the project’s onset, how to mitigate the risks throughout the process, and the best path to reducing carbon successfully.
Instructor
John R. Wilson
Senior Vice President, EN Renewables, ENTRUST Solutions Group
As Sr. Vice President of the newly formed EN Renewables sector with Entrust Solutions Group, John is responsible for the oversight of Renewable Energy development for the United States.
John has over 35 years of experience in the energy industry, focused on engineering, operations and business development. He has extensive design and operating experience related to natural gas, electricity, renewable energy, and underground storage of natural gas.
John holds a Petroleum Engineering and Mathematics degree from The University of Wyoming.
John is based out of ENTRUST’s Chicago office. He has been married for over 33 years and has three grown children.
Pipelink Risk Modeling 101
Event Summary
This course will go over various types of pipeline risk models common in the industry today as well as practical uses of each model. Finally, it will highlight recent developments in the pipeline risk industry to give the audience an idea of what direction the industry is headed.
Attendees will receive 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) upon completion.
Course Objectives
Provide attendees with an introductory course to Pipeline Risk Modelling so that they know the right questions to ask of their risk program owners in order to understand what type of risk model is being used when trying to understand their results and what type of feedback stakeholders might provide to the risk program in order to help keep it moving in the direction that best fits the needs of the stakeholders.
Who Should Attend
Individuals needing awareness level training for pipeline risk. This includes integrity engineers, ops/maintenance managers, area managers, and any other key stakeholder of the pipeline risk results.
Instructor
Alex Woll
Mr. Woll graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Mr. Woll then gained over a decade of experience working for various major oil and gas operators leading risk and PMM programs as well as being a risk and integrity engineer. Mr. Woll Joined DNV in 2020 and now heads DNV’s risk advisory team.Hydrogen 101
Event Summary
Hydrogen is being pursued as an energy source in the United States and worldwide. This presentation will address the background of why hydrogen is a potential fuel source and how hydrogen is generated. Hydrogen’s chemical and physical properties will be addressed and compared and contrasted with natural gas. This session will also outline the primary challenges of adopting hydrogen as a primary fuel source.
You will learn:
- Why is hydrogen being evaluated by the utility and pipeline industries?
- How is hydrogen made?
- What are the chemical and physical properties of hydrogen?
- How does hydrogen compare to natural gas as a fuel?
- What are the main challenges to adopting hydrogen?
Instructor
Jo Ellen Scott
Sr. Technical Lead
ENTRUST Solutions Group
Fundamentals of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCUS)
Event Overview
Carbon Capture and Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is a fundamental requirement for successful de-carbonization and is recognized as such by the International Energy Agency and the US Department of Energy. The broad commercial deployment of CCUS will impact industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, electric power, cement, and manufacturing as well as hydrogen, and the circular plastics economy.
This course will serve as an introduction to various aspects of CCUS. Participants will be provided an awareness and understanding of the CCUS projects. It will establish basics such as how much CCS is needed to make a difference to global warming and explore what types of CO2 injection have already happened. This will be inclusive of dedicated long-term CCUS projects, pilot projects and CO2-enhanced oil recovery projects.
Attendees will receive 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDH) upon completion.
Learning Objectives
- Learn the basic concept of carbon capture and storage.
- Discover how CCUS works.
- Understand how CCUS can be used to reduce carbon emissions.
- Identify which industries are a good fit for carbon capture and storage technology.
Instructor
Suzanne Ogle
President & CEO
Southern Gas Association
Suzanne Ogle is President and CEO of the Southern Gas Association. Suzanne has dedicated her career to natural gas and advancing the industry. She has 30 years of experience in operations and is a certified sustainability practitioner. She continued advancement in technology including studies at MIT in Clean Technology.
Suzanne is a Certified Sustainability Practitioner, an Accredited Public Relations and Certified Investor Relations professional and a Certified Association Executive. She holds an Advanced Marketing certificate from Southern Methodist University, Finance Management, Business Analytics and Change Management certificates from Cornell University and an Executive Leadership for Energy Professionals certificate from the University of Houston. She received a Master of Education in educational psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in business marketing from California Lutheran University