AGA American Gas Association : Robert C. Skaggs Jr. Receives AGA’s Distinguished Service Award

Washington, D.C. - The American Gas Association (AGA) is proud to announce that the 2017 Distinguished Service Award has been given to Robert 'Bob' C. Skaggs Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Columbia Pipeline Group Inc. Mr. Skaggs received this honor during the annual AGA Executive Conference in San Diego, Calif., on Monday, October 3, 2016.

'Throughout his career, Bob has been recognized as an experienced, knowledgeable and innovative leader with a proven track record of success,' said AGA President and CEO Dave McCurdy. 'As AGA chairman in 2010, Bob's emphasis on the direct use of natural gas in America's homes and businesses led to significant benefits for our industry, including a new awareness of the efficiency and environmental advantages of the full-fuel-cycle energy measurement. This effort was supported by the National Academy of Science's report to Congress, which recommended that DOE measure appliance efficiency standards based on the full-fuel-cycle.In addition to his remarkable accomplishments and leadership skills, everyone knows that Bob is just a terrific guy. Bob has made an indelible mark on this industry and I am honored to present him with the 2016 AGA Distinguished Service Award.'

Skaggs joined the law department of Columbia Gas Transmission in 1981 and served in various management positions until he became President of Columbia Gas of Ohio and Columbia Gas of Kentucky in 1996. With the merger of NiSource and Columbia Energy Group in 2000, he added the responsibilities of President of Bay State Gas and Northern Utilities to his portfolio. In December 2001, his role was further expanded to include the duties of President and CEO of the Columbia companies in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. He was promoted to Executive Vice President, Regulated Revenue, for NiSource in October 2003. Prior to Columbia Pipeline Group's separation from NiSource, Inc., Skaggs had served as CEO of NiSource since 2005, and President since 2004.

Actively engaged in his community, Skaggs has served in leadership roles for a variety of charitable, community and civic efforts. Skaggs' previous service includes board of director of Columbia Pipeline Partners LP and former trustee of the Columbia Pipeline Group Charitable Foundation.

Skaggs earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Davidson College, a law degree from West Virginia University and a master's degree in business administration from Tulane University.