The INGAA Foundation’s board of directors elected Robert A. Riess, Sr., president and chief executive officer of Sheehan Pipe Line Construction Company, as its new chairman for a one year-term beginning November 7.
“Rob has extensive experience in pipeline construction, and he understands what it takes to build a natural gas pipeline safely and on time. This experience and insight make him ideally suited to take the reins as chairman of the INGAA Foundation for the coming year,” said INGAA Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Don Santa.
The INGAA Foundation brings together pipeline operators and contractors—including construction companies, pipe mills, engineering companies, consultants, environmental and safety groups and others—to facilitate the efficient construction and safe and reliable operation of the North American natural gas pipeline system. The Foundation’s flagship study, a long-term forecast of midstream natural gas, oil and NGL infrastructure needs, is slated to be updated in 2016. The report was last updated in 2014.
“I’m excited about taking the helm of the INGAA Foundation,” Riess said. “My priority in the coming year is to help build an even stronger safety and quality culture within the pipeline industry. Last year, we expanded the Foundation’s safety committee to include quality. We believe it is imperative to ensure that the materials and services provided to the pipeline industry are of the highest quality to ensure both public and worker safety.”
Riess, who worked with Sheehan Construction in 1991-1995, rejoined Sheehan in 2004 as its president. In 2006, he became a partner in the firm and added the role of CEO.
Earlier in his career, Riess worked with Texas Eastern Transmission Co.’s construction department in various roles, including manager of construction and general manager of environmental services. He also worked for construction company ARB Inc., as a vice president responsible for the company’s underground division, which consisted primarily of pipeline construction east of the Rockies. Riess also managed the company’s horizontal directional drilling division and its international operations.
Riess is a civil engineering graduate from the University of Missouri – Rolla.
He currently serves on the board of directors for the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) and the board of directors for the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum. Riess is also active with recruiting activities at the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he serves as an UMR Ambassador and is a member of the Oder of the Golden Shillelagh.
Also November 7, the board elected Tom Hutchins, vice president of Environment, Health and Safety, for Kinder Morgan, as vice chairman.
The INGAA Foundation was formed in 1990 by the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America to advance the use of natural gas for the benefit of the environment and the consuming public. The Foundation’s completes a number of reports and studies each year and establishes safety guidelines for pipeline construction, operation and employee safety. For more information, please visit www.ingaa.org/foundation.
