The board of directors of the INGAA Foundation elected Lauren O’Donnell as its chair for a one-year term. O’Donnell is the vice president of the oil and gas market sector at TRC, a national engineering, consulting and construction management firm that provides integrated services to the energy, environmental and infrastructure markets.
“Lauren brings an impressive breadth of environmental and regulatory experience to her role as the Foundation’s new chair,” said INGAA Foundation President and CEO Don Santa, “Her track record of developing environmental processes and plans that prioritize the safe operation and reliable maintenance of America’s natural gas transmission system makes Lauren ideally suited to lead the Foundation.”
The INGAA Foundation brings together over 230 pipeline operators and contractors—including construction companies, pipe mills, engineering companies, consultants, environmental and safety groups and others—to facilitate the efficient construction, safe operation and reliable maintenance of the North American natural gas pipeline system.
“I look forward to working with the Foundation’s members to further the mission of the INGAA Foundation to maintain a safe and reliable natural gas pipeline system that meets the growing energy needs of America,” said O’Donnell. “I’ve spent over four decades in the natural gas sector, and now, more than ever, I believe it’s critical that Foundation members work collaboratively to explore and develop new technologies and processes that address the challenges we face as an industry.”
As the Chair, O’Donnell looks forward to working proactively with stakeholders and customers to enhance the understanding of the role of natural gas in our nation’s energy future.
In her role at TRC, O’Donnell is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to assist TRC’s clients in securing federal permits for new energy infrastructure projects.
Prior to joining TRC, O’Donnell was the Director of the Division of Gas—Environment and Engineering at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). During her 35-year career at FERC, O’Donnell worked on developing and implementing processes that advanced the Commission’s environmental responsibilities and was a principal developer of FERC’s pre-filing process for LNG facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines. While managing FERC’s natural gas environmental program, O’Donnell worked collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders including federal, state and local agencies, NGOs, and landowner groups.
In November, the Foundation board also elected Susan Waller, Senior Strategic Advisor at Enbridge, as vice chair.
