William J. Akley is a distinguished retired utility executive with more than 40 years of experience in the natural gas industry, most recently serving as President of Gas Operations at Eversource Energy. In this role, he was responsible for the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to approximately 887,000 customers across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Beginning his career as a field engineer at Brooklyn Union Gas, Akley quickly advanced through the ranks at KeySpan Energy and National Grid, where he held pivotal leadership roles overseeing field operations and construction. A passionate advocate for safety, he has chaired the Safety Committee for the American Gas Association and currently serves on the board of the Northeast Gas Association. With an MBA from Adelphi University and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Clarkson University, Akley combines deep industry knowledge with strategic insight, positioning him as a leader dedicated to operational excellence and the advancement of the energy sector.

Excited to share my professional journey and experiences in the oil and gas industry! With over five decades of expertise in subsea engineering, diving operations, and project management, I’ve had the privilege of leading significant initiatives and contributing to the growth of the industry. As I transition into retirement, I remain passionate about leveraging my experience to drive excellence and innovation. Looking forward to new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact.