Jennifer Montague: A Corporate Executive Leading by Example in Virginia
The measure of a successful corporate executive, singularly judged by profit and loss, is
quickly fading. Many researchers and business leaders highlight the need for executives
to connect with their customers and foster a corporate culture rooted in community. One
such executive who has embodied this approach is Jennifer Montague, president and
chief operating officer of Columbia Gas of Virginia. Since joining Columbia Gas in 2023,
Montague has earned a reputation as a growth-focused executive who prioritizes
community partnerships and customer engagement.
Columbia Gas is one of the largest and most recognized investor-owned, public utility
companies in Virginia, with approximately 290,000 customers representing 65% of the
Commonwealth. When NiSource Inc., Columbia Gas’s parent company,
appointed Montague, she became one of the first Black women to lead a natural gas
company in Virginia.
“Columbia Gas of Virginia has a long, rich history of serving communities across the
Commonwealth – more than 175 years,” said Montague. “We are committed to carrying
out our mission every day – to supply safe and reliable natural gas service to our
residential, industrial and commercial customers.”
The company’s commitment, Montague says, is rooted in creating meaningful
connections with families and community-based organizations, including building
bridges to historically Black colleges and universities that are preparing students for a
stronger, more sustainable workforce.
“When I came to Virginia, I made it clear I wanted to work in collaboration with
community leaders to expand educational and career opportunities for young people,
particularly in the natural gas and energy industry,” said Montague.
A native of Chicago and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Montague holds degrees from Stanford University and the University of Chicago Booth
School of Business. Prior to Columbia Gas, she led teams at NIPSCO, ComEd, and BP.
Montague credits an undergraduate internship with BP for exposing her to the industry
and allowing her to live and work in London, England.
Since coming to Columbia Gas, Montague has launched partnerships with Virginia Union and Virginia State Universities. With the support of NiSource’s Charitable
Foundation, the relationship with these historic universities and others in the
Commonwealth is designed to establish workforce development pathways for students
to explore careers in the energy and natural gas industries.
“I see our investment in Virginia’s communities as just the beginning with enormous
potential for a long-term economic resurgence in our state. The fact is the energy sector
pays well, provides an alternative to more traditional education routes of a two or four-
year degree, and the professional development and career advancement opportunities
are head and shoulders above other industries,” said Montague.
In recent years, Columbia Gas, under Montague’s leadership, has also hosted
educational enrichment events for younger students in elementary, middle, and high
school to help elevate and position girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering,
arts and math, or STEAM. Students who participate engage with Columbia Gas
employees in interactive workshops and learn firsthand how classroom lessons apply in
the everyday work environment.
The company’s most celebrated effort is its Youth Ambassador Program. Now in its third
year, the program champions energy-related career development for Virginia high
school students preparing for both workforce and continuing education opportunities. By
working with local nonprofits, Columbia Gas helps students acquire technical and
leadership skills, improve their public speaking and problem-solving abilities, and
promote the importance of “giving back” through community service projects.
“While it’s still early, we’ve seen great success in all our efforts. We believe the
investments we’re making in Virginia will open doors for our students and help drive a
stronger, more economically sustainable future for Virginia,” said Montague.
