Management Team

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, serving a population of 20.9 million consumers through 5.8 million gas meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles of diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

• Michael W. Allman, President and CEO
• Anne Shen Smith, Chief Operating Officer
• J. Chris Baker, Senior Vice President, Support Services and Chief Information Officer
• Amy Chiu, Vice President, Information Technology
• Jimmie I. Cho, Vice President, Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion
• Pamela J. Fair, Vice President, Environmental and Support Services and Chief Environmental Officer
• James P. Harrigan, Vice President, Gas Acquisition
• Erbin B. Keith, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and General Counsel
• J. Bret Lane, Vice President, Field Services
• Mitch Mitchell, Vice President, State Government Affairs
• Richard M. Morrow, Vice President, Engineering and Operations Staff
• Lee Schavrien, Senior Vice President, Finance, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs
• Robert M. Schlax, Vice President, Controller and Chief Financial Officer
• Michael M. Schneider, Vice President, Customer Operations
• Dan Skopec, Vice President, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs
• Hal D. Snyder, Vice President, Customer Solutions
• Cheryl Shepherd, Vice President, Accounting and Finance
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  Michael W. Allman
  President and CEO

  Michael W. Allman is President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  Allman became President of SoCalGas in March 2010.

  Previously, Allman served as President and CEO of Sempra Generation, another subsidiary of Sempra Energy, overseeing the operation of merchant power plants through North America. Allman has spearheaded the development of several groundbreaking renewable energy projects, including the country's largest solar photovoltaic plant in Boulder City, Nevada.

  From 1998 to 2008, Allman held leadership positions with Sempra Energy and its subsidiaries, including Chief Financial Officer of Sempra Global, the umbrella organization for Sempra Energy's businesses operating in competitive energy markets; President of Sempra Technology Ventures; Vice President of Corporate Planning and Development and Vice President of Audit Services.

  Prior to joining Sempra Energy in 1998, Allman was responsible for marketing and delivering consulting projects to corporate clients of the Los Angeles office of LEK/Alcar, a strategic and financial consulting-services firm. Allman joined the Alcar Group in 1987 in Chicago, and was assigned to Johannesburg, London and Los Angeles throughout his tenure with the company.

  Allman has a master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University. He is a Certified Management Accountant and a Certified Internal Auditor. He serves on the Board of Directors of the American Gas Association, California Chamber of Commerce, Southern California Leadership Council, Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Los Angeles YMCA.

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  Anne Shen Smith
  Chief Operating Officer

  Anne Shen Smith is Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  Previously, Smith served as the Senior Vice President of Customer Services and Vice President of Environment and Safety for SoCalGas. She started her career at SoCalGas in 1977 and has held management positions in public affairs, strategic planning, demand forecasting and market research.

  Smith has served on numerous advisory boards, including the Los Angeles City Environmental Affairs Commission and the Federal Advisory Committee on Personal Motor Vehicles Greenhouse Gas Reductions. Currently, she serves on the board of directors for the California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and the executive advisory board of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center.

  Smith immigrated from Taiwan in the mid-1960s. She earned her bachelor's degree in industrial and operations engineering at the University of Michigan and holds a master's degree in industrial engineering and operations research from the University of California at Berkeley.

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  J. Chris Baker
  Senior Vice President, Support Services and Chief Information Officer

  J. Chris Baker is Senior Vice President, Support Services and Chief Information Officer for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  In his current position, Baker oversees information technology, supply management, diverse business enterprises, environmental services, safety and emergency services, fleet services, real estate, land management and facilities. He is also responsible for the design and implementation of new systems and procedures to improve the operating efficiency and customer experience at the utility through the operational excellence and smart metering programs.

  Baker served as Sempra Energy's Director of Software Development from 1997 to 2000, and as Information Management and Security Administration Manager from 1995 to 1997.

  Prior to joining Sempra Energy in 1995, Baker was a Senior Systems Consultant with Logicon 4GT, where he worked with defense finance and accounting services. He also worked on analysis for several government entities, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Finance and Management and the U.S. Postal Service's National Air and Surface System.

  Previously, Baker held several positions in the banking industry, including serving as Section Manager of information management and executive information services at HomeFed Bank, a position he held from 1990 to 1993. Prior to 1990, he was employed with Home Savings of America, holding several different positions in their information technology division.

  Baker serves as a board member on CommNexus. He is a cum laude graduate of California Polytechnic University at Pomona, where he earned bachelor's degrees in biology and business administration/computer information systems.

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  Amy Chiu
  Vice President, Information Technology

  Amy Chiu is Vice President of Information Technology for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  In her current position, Chiu is responsible for information technologies, vision and operational oversight including computing infrastructure, client services, applications, information security and information management for both utilities and the Sempra Energy Corporate Center.

  Previously, Chiu was Vice President of Risk Analysis and Management for Sempra Energy and prior to that was Vice President of Audit Services, where she was responsible for Sempra Energy's internal audit function. Before that, she held positions of increasing responsibility including Director of Business Planning in the Mergers and Acquisitions group, Manager of Executive Projects and Manager of Economic Analysis.

  Prior to joining Sempra Energy, Chiu held senior-level financial and actuarial analyst positions for Intelsat and Watson Wyatt Worldwide.

  Chiu has a master’s degree in business administration from American University in Washington D.C., a doctorate in mathematics from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mills College in Oakland, Calif.

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  Jimmie I. Cho
  Vice President, Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion

  Jimmie I. Cho is Vice President of Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  Previously, Cho was Director of Customer Communications, Research and Web Strategy for SoCalGas. He was also Director of Safety and Emergency Services, Director of Customer Service Field Operations, and held positions of increasing responsibility in Environmental Engineering, Corporate Affairs, Gas Operations and Customer Services.

  Cho also held positions with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, a member agency of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, as Director of Resource Conservation and Public Outreach, and Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts in various environmental engineering roles.

  Cho holds a bachelor's degree in geology from Brown University and a master's degree in civil engineering from Stanford University. He serves on the board of directors of TreePeople.

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  Pamela J. Fair
  Vice President, Environmental and Support Services and Chief Environmental Officer

  Pamela J. Fair is Vice President of Environmental and Support Services for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). In her current position, Fair oversees all environmental services, real estate, facilities and fleet operations for both utilities, as well as emergency services and land services at SDG&E.

  Previously Fair was Vice President of Customer Operations for both SDG&E and SoCalGas from 2002 to 2007.  She was Vice President of Customer Services for SDG&E from 1998 to 2001 and was Vice President of Residential Services for SoCalGas from 1995 to 1998.  She previously held positions of increasing responsibility at SoCalGas in sales, marketing, regulatory affairs and human resources.

  Fair is the immediate past Chair of the U.C. Davis Foundation Board of Trustees.  She also is Vice President of the Board of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in San Diego and serves on the Board of the San Diego Chapter of the American Lung Association and the Advisory Board of the Pacific South Coast Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  She is a past member of the U.C. Davis College of Engineering Dean’s Executive Committee and the Boards of the Classroom of the Future Foundation and the Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana. 

  Fair received the 2008 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Medal from the U.C. Davis College of Engineering, which recognizes alumni "whose professional and personal achievements bring special honor to the College."  She received a Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) Award from the San Diego County YWCA in 2003.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of California at Davis.

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  James P. Harrigan
  Vice President, Gas Acquisition

  James P. Harrigan is Vice President of Gas Acquisition for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  Harrigan has served in his current position since 2005. He is responsible for the acquisition of natural gas supplies for residential and commercial customers of SoCalGas. Previous positions included Assistant Controller for both Pacific Enterprises Oil Company and Pacific Enterprises.

  Prior to joining the company, Harrigan held various operational and financial positions with Tenneco, Coastal Corporation, Phillips Petroleum and Ernst and Young.

  Harrigan holds both a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in professional accounting from the University of Texas, Austin. He also is a certified public accountant.

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  Erbin B. Keith
  Senior Vice President, External Affairs and General Counsel

  Erbin B. Keith is Senior Vice President of External Affairs and General Counsel for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). In this role, Keith is responsible for employee communications, public affairs and community relations activities, in addition to serving as the utility's general counsel.

  Previously, Keith was head of Regulatory Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer of Sempra Energy. Prior to that, he was President of Sempra Energy Solutions, a Sempra Energy business unit offering retail gas and electricity, risk management and outsourcing services to commercial and industrial businesses.

  Before joining Sempra in 1998, Keith was a Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Way Companies. Prior to that, he served as an attorney in private practice in Texas. Beyond his legal and regulatory experience in the energy, engineering and construction industries, Keith worked as a consulting engineer.

  Keith is a licensed professional engineer and a member of the Texas and California state bars. Keith was selected as "Energy Professional of the Year" in 2001 by the Association of Energy Engineers and was appointed to the Department of Energy's first Federal Energy Management Advisory Committee.

  Keith holds a law degree from South Texas College of Law and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas.

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  J. Bret Lane
  Vice President, Field Services

  J. Bret Lane is Vice President of Field Services for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  Lane is responsible for field customer service, gas transmission operations, storage operations, distribution operations and gas control for customers within the SoCalGas service territory.

  Previously, Lane was Vice President of Gas Transmission and Distribution from 2007 to 2009. He served as Vice President of Environmental, Safety and Facilities and was Chief Environmental Officer from 2005 to 2007. From 2002 to 2004, he was Vice President of Labor Relations and was responsible for all collective bargaining with the unions at SoCalGas.

  Lane also was Director of Human Resources, Director of Labor Relations and Manager of Environmental Services and held leadership positions in field operations and staff functions for SoCalGas after joining the company in 1982 in the Transmission and Storage Operations division.

  Lane holds a bachelors of science degree in petroleum engineering from Oklahoma State University.

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  Mitch Mitchell
  Vice President, State Government Affairs

  Mitch Mitchell is Vice President of State Government Affairs for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Sempra Energy's California regulated utilities.

  Based in Sacramento, Mitchell is responsible for state governmental affairs for both California utilities. Prior to his current position, Mitchell was regional Vice President of external affairs, responsible for public affairs and external affairs activities for SoCalGas.

  Prior to joining SoCalGas in 2005, Mitchell served as Vice President of public policy and communications at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce where he worked with the Chamber's members and diverse volunteer base to develop a public policy agenda that is favorable to the business climate and standard of living in San Diego. He was also in charge of representing the Chamber and its members' public policy positions to local, state and federal officials.

  Previously, Mitchell was Director of Governmental Relations for American Medical Response, the nation's largest ambulance transportation firm. From 1996 to 1997, he served as Assistant Director of Governmental Relations for the San Diego Mayor's Office under Mayor Susan Golding, overseeing the city's legislative priorities and advising the mayor on policy issues.

  Prior to working at the mayor's office, Mitchell was the Director of Governmental Relations for the San Diego City Fire Fighters Local 145 IAFF, one of the city's largest labor unions.

  Mitchell is an active member of the community. He has served for several years on the board of directors for the San Diego Food Bank and the Children's Museum, and he was previously on the boards of the San Diego Opera and Burn Institute. Mitchell is also a governor's appointee to the Little Hoover Commission. Mitchell earned his bachelor's degree in political science from University of Redlands.

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  Richard M. Morrow
  Vice President, Engineering and Operations Staff

  Richard M. Morrow is Vice President of Engineering and Operations Staff for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  Morrow is responsible for gas engineering, gas storage and pipeline capacity product management, field operations policies and staff support. Morrow served as Vice President of Customer Service where he was responsible for customer service, account management and customer contact centers for SoCalGas. Morrow began his career with SoCalGas in 1974 as an engineer and has held various positions in engineering, gas supply, transmission and storage, distribution and customer operations and marketing.

  Morrow is the past chair of CALSTART. He is on the executive board of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and a member of the board of directors of the Orange County Business Council.

  Morrow holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from California State Polytechnic University and a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of California at Davis. He is a registered petroleum engineer.

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  Lee Schavrien
  Senior Vice President, Finance, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs

  Lee Schavrien is Senior Vice President of Finance, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  In his position, Schavrien is responsible for all regulatory matters before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), as well as the financial affairs of the utility. In addition, Schavrien has responsibility for all state legislative matters impacting SoCalGas.

  Since 1979, Schavrien has been involved in all regulatory matters for San Diego Gas & Electric and since 1996 for SoCalGas, as well as the merger of Enova and Pacific Enterprises that formed Sempra Energy. Schavrien was the co-author of the groundbreaking new way for California regulators to establish utility rates, a methodology known as Performance Based Ratemaking.

  He is a past board member of the San Diego Arthritis Foundation, The California Interscholastic Federation – San Diego Section and the Poway Wrestling Foundation. Schavrien holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from National University.

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  Robert M. Schlax
  Vice President, Controller and Chief Financial Officer

  Robert M. Schlax is Vice President, Treasurer, Controller and Chief Financial Officer of Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  Schlax joined the company in 2005 as Vice President and Controller. In October 2008, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer in addition to his current role. In this expanded position, Schlax oversees all of the financial planning and budgeting, energy risk management, financial reporting, debt management and affiliate compliance.

  Preceding his current role, Schlax served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Vice President of Finance at Mercury Air Group, Inc. from 2002 to 2005. From 1977 to 2001, he held various management positions within the accounting and finance departments at Unocal Corporation.

  Schlax holds a bachelor's degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in business administration from Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. He is a member of the board of directors of the Alzheimer's Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter and is also a member of the Orange County Chapter of Financial Executives International.

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  Michael M. Schneider
  Vice President, Customer Operations

  Michael M. Schneider is Vice President of Customer Operations for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E). In his current position, Schneider is responsible for managing Customer Operations, which includes the Billing Collections, Customer Contact Center and Meter Reading Organization and Remittance Processing and Credit.

  Over the last 18 years, Schneider has held various positions within SoCalGas and San Diego Gas & Electric in finance, customer services, and regulatory affairs. Schneider was most recently the Treasurer of both SoCalGas and SDG&E, responsible for treasury activity, financial and economic analysis included in regulatory filings, risk management and strategic planning. Schneider regularly testifies before the California Public Utilities Commission on a variety of financing, ratemaking, economic and energy policy matters.

  Prior to his employment with SoCalGas and SDG&E, Schneider was employed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as an energy economist in the office of electric power regulation.

  Schneider holds a master's degree in business administration from George Mason University with an emphasis in finance and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Arizona. Schneider is a member of the Director's Circle for the Lamden School of Accountancy at San Diego State University.

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  Dan Skopec
  Vice President, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs

  Dan Skopec is Vice President of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  Based in San Francisco, Skopec is the utility's primary representative before the California Public Utilities Commission. He also manages the utility's Sacramento office.

  Prior to joining the utility in January 2008, Skopec served as Undersecretary for the California Environmental Protection Agency from 2006 to 2007.

  Skopec has extensive experience dealing with environment and energy policy issues. As a former Deputy Cabinet Secretary for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Skopec served as a liaison between the Governor's office and the California Environmental Protection Agency, Resources Agency, Department of Food & Agriculture, California Public Utilities Commission and the Governor's Washington D.C. office.

  In 2001, Skopec directed the subcommittee on energy policy, natural resources and regulatory affairs in Washington D.C. As the lead consultant on energy issues, he held numerous energy-related hearings involving the California electricity crisis, natural gas, Federal Energy Regulation Commission and gasoline markets.

  Prior to 2001, Skopec served as the Legislative Director for U.S. Rep. Doug Ose, for whom he oversaw legislative strategy and was responsible for pursuing the congressman's legislative goals. Skopec also worked as a legislative assistant for Congressman Jack Quinn, whom he advised on how to vote on various issues including foreign affairs and agriculture.

  Skopec holds a master's degree in international economics from George Washington University, Washington D.C. and a bachelor's degree in political science and European history from the University of California, San Diego.

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  Hal D. Snyder
  Vice President, Customer Solutions

  Hal D. Snyder is Vice President of Customer Solutions for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

  As Vice President of Customer Solutions, Snyder is responsible for customer programs promoting energy efficiency, sustainability, low-income assistance and the development of new emerging technologies, including clean transportation, distributed energy, in-home services and biofuels. Snyder also oversees major customer-related activities for SoCalGas, including account executives and customer communications.

  From 2004 through 2007, Snyder was Vice President of Gas Storage, Transmission and Distribution, managing operations serving more than 6.2 million SoCalGas and San Diego Gas & Electric customers.

  From 1998 to 2004, Snyder served in increasingly responsible management positions for Sempra Pipelines & Storage, which develops and operates North American natural gas pipeline and storage facilities. Snyder also led Sempra Pipelines & Storage's development efforts in Canada.

  Prior to 1998, Snyder held a variety of management positions in business development, operations, marketing, engineering and project management for SoCalGas.

  Snyder serves as a board member of the California Science Center and the Coalition for Clean Air. He also is actively involved in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Snyder holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from California State University, Long Beach, and a master's degree in business administration from Pepperdine University, Los Angeles.

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  Cheryl Shepherd
  Vice President, Accounting and Finance

  Cheryl Shepherd is the Vice President of Accounting and Finance, and Assistant Treasurer for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).
  
  In this role, she oversees accounting operations, financial planning and budgeting, performance management and reporting, financial systems and controls, and financial and regulatory analysis.
  
  Previously, Shepherd was Director of Finance and Director of Customer Operations for SoCalGas.  Prior to that Shepherd was Director of Real Estate and Land Services, and Director of Accounting Operations and Assistant Controller for both SoCalGas and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E).
  
  Shepherd began her professional career with SoCalGas in 1981 and during her thirty-one years with the Company has held numerous management positions of increasing responsibility in Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Real Estate and Land Services, and Customer Operations. 
  
  Shepherd holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
  
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