“People First Leader.”
With more than four decades of frontline and executive experience in gas utility and contractor operations across New England and New York, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge, unwavering integrity, and deep industry respect to any advisory or board-level role he undertakes. A proven leader in operational performance and pipeline safety management, Dan has dedicated his career to elevating utility standards while prioritizing employee wellbeing, regulatory compliance, and sustainable operational excellence.
Dan currently serves as a Senior Fellow with The Blacksmith Group, a role in which he leverages his considerable industry insights to advise clients on critical issues facing today’s utility landscape. His recent work includes a 15-month assignment supporting the development of a comprehensive asset and work management platform for a global consulting firm. Dan also plays a lead role in the development of Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) tools designed to help utilities integrate safety principles into everyday field operations. His collaborative work with the Southern Gas Association underscores his passion for continuous improvement, as he assists in modernizing natural gas industry curricula to better prepare today’s workforce.
Prior to Blacksmith, Dan was Vice President of Pipeline Safety Management at Feeney Brothers Utility Services, where he pioneered the PSMS Playbook for field operations based on API RP 1173 standards. He revamped training programs with a focus on employee competence and oversaw QA/QC and compliance functions. In a moment that tested the industry, Dan led the company’s technical response and investigation into the Columbia Gas of Massachusetts over-pressurization incident, providing critical insight for legal and public communications strategies.
At National Grid, Dan served as VP of Pipeline Safety Management, spearheading the design and execution of the company’s PSMS framework. His leadership brought together over 60 subject matter experts to implement more than 150 program initiatives. One of his standout achievements was initiating a $25 million transformation project to overhaul training and integrate quality, compliance, and performance excellence into a unified operational model.
Earlier in his tenure with National Grid, Dan held numerous leadership positions, including Director of Field Operations for New England Central and Director of Labor Strategy. His successful negotiation of gas operations and collective bargaining agreements in both New England and New York generated multi-million-dollar savings while standardizing labor strategies and enhancing field productivity. Dan’s strategic work with city stakeholders also improved regulatory relationships and reduced operational costs.
Dan’s roots in the industry date back to his early years as a Distribution Department Repairman at Colonial Gas Company in 1979. Through steadily increasing responsibilities at EnergyNorth, Boston Gas, KeySpan, and eventually National Grid, Dan cultivated a deep operational acumen across emergency response, construction, leak management, and labor relations.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Trinity College and has maintained active professional engagement through the New England Gas Association for over 30 years. Known for his excellent communication skills, technical depth, and principled leadership, Dan remains committed to empowering organizations with practical, safety-forward strategies that align operational goals with a culture of care and accountability.
Character
Dan exemplifies integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to employee safety and organizational excellence, consistently leading with a values-driven mindset throughout his 40-year career in gas utility operations.
Knowledge
He brings an exceptional depth of expertise in utility operations, construction, maintenance, and pipeline safety management, with firsthand experience in regulatory compliance, training transformation, and PSMS implementation grounded in API RP 1173.
Strategic
Dan has successfully led enterprise-wide initiatives, from multi-million-dollar training overhauls to operational playbook development and labor negotiations, always aligning tactical decisions with long-term business goals and safety outcomes.
Communication
A clear and compelling communicator, Dan fosters trust across all levels of an organization, bridging field operations, executive leadership, and external stakeholders with practical guidance, collaborative engagement, and a solutions-oriented approach.
