#Tulsa #ONE Gas #John Gibson #Deborah Hersman

Leadership Transition at ONE Gas

ONE Gas, Inc. has made headlines with its recent announcement regarding a pivotal leadership shift within its board. John W. Gibson, who has been the chair since the company’s inception in 2014, is set to retire after the upcoming Annual Meeting for Shareholders in May 2026. As Gibson steps down, the company has appointed Deborah A.P. Hersman as the new chair of the board, effective May 21, 2026, marking a new chapter for the organization.

In his farewell, Gibson highlighted the importance of his tenure at ONE Gas, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and collaboration. Robert S. McAnnally, the president and CEO, acknowledged Gibson's significant contributions, particularly emphasizing his leadership during the separation of ONE Gas from its former parent company, ONEOK. This strategic move not only created value for shareholders but also laid a robust foundation for the continued growth of ONE Gas in a dynamic market.

Deborah Hersman, at the age of 55, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She joined the ONE Gas board in 2023 and has been instrumental in various governance initiatives as the chair of the Corporate Governance Committee. Hersman’s background includes serving as the former chair of the National Transportation Safety Board and the former CEO of the National Safety Council. Most recently, she held the position of chief safety officer at Waymo, Google’s cutting-edge self-driving car project.

Hersman’s election as chair is seen as a move towards enhancing the board's diversity and deepening its strategic focus. McAnnally praised Hersman’s respected stature in the industry, noting that her expertise in safety, technology, and public policy would greatly benefit the organization. Hersman herself expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating,