Mike Grubb, President & CEO

Mike Grubb is President and CEO for Southern Gas Association and the Gas Machinery Research Council. He came to SGA in 1996 from Arkansas Western Gas Co., a local distribution company, where he managed a natural gas supply portfolio. Prior to joining Arkansas Western, Mike worked in Gas Supply and Business Development for NOARK Pipeline, a division of Southwestern Energy Co. Mike is a former Dale Carnegie instructor and a graduate from the University of Houston with a Civil Engineering degree. He is a past chair of the Executive Management Section Council at the American Society of Association Executives, and he is a Certified Association Executive.

Pat Downey, Senior Vice President

Patrick Downey joined SGA in September 1992 as Project Manager and is currently Senior Vice President for SGA and GMRC (Gas Machinery Research Council), with responsibility for a variety of committees, conferences, workshops and association management duties. Pat Downey received a Bachelor of Science degree from McMurry University in Abilene, TX in 1978. He also lettered in golf at McMurry University.

Randy Randolph, Vice President

Randy joined the Southern Gas Association On December 1, 2008. Prior to joining SGA, Randy worked in various executive positions in the natural gas industry and from 2005 until 2008, he formed Double R Associates and provided energy management advisory services. From 1997 to 2005, he worked for Cinergy and ultimately served as VP, Gas Distribution Operations. He has also served as VP, Gas Resources for Transok and spent 17 years with The Williams Companies where he served in many capacities including President of Willaims Energy. Randy received BS and BBA degrees from the University of Texas and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Gary Hines, Vice President

Gary W. Hines is the Vice-President of Operations and joined the SGA in 2011.  Prior to joining SGA, Gary worked for Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. in Owensboro, KY.  There, Mr. Hines held the responsibility of oversight for the operations control center and back office measurement functions.  Mr. Hines has 15 years of experience in the natural gas transmission pipeline business with the last 10 being in various positions of management including Operations, Gas Control, and Measurement. Prior to his tenure in management, he has held various positions in project engineering, project management, and environmental remediation programs at both Southern Star and The Williams Companies in Tulsa, OK. Gary holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T) in Rolla, MO and a Masters in Business Administration from Colorado State University located in Fort Collins, CO.  Gary is also a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Missouri.

Kent Hobart, Vice President

Kent joined the Southern Gas Association On March 1, 2012.  Kent brings more than 25 years of industry experience with him to SGA, including time with natural gas, electric, water, investor owned and municipal utilities. Included in his broad base of experience are executive level leadership roles in Sales, Operations and Customer Service with TECO Peoples Gas. Kent received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Southern College.