Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) has appointed Brent Haywood, PE, as the company’s next chief executive officer and general manager, effective Jan. 8, 2024. Haywood comes to LANGD from Okaloosa Gas District, where he spent the last seven years as the company’s vice president of operations. He will bring over 25 years of industry experience to his role as LANGD’s sixth CEO/GM.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve as LANGD’s next CEO/GM, and I feel compelled that this is the right opportunity for me and my family,” said Haywood.
“To me, the utility business is about public service and the ability to contribute to the common good. I see myself as a servant leader – I lead by service, but I also lead by experience and energy,” Haywood added. “Fostering innovation and growth, ensuring fiscal responsibility with our operations, and continuing to implement environmental and organizational programs that support our communities will be key aspects of our vision for the future of the District.”
With Okaloosa Gas District, Haywood oversaw the day-to-day operations of the company’s natural gas network, including engineering design, construction, maintenance, facility upkeep, and more. His leadership ensured the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to over 50,000 customers on a daily basis. Notably, Okaloosa Gas District and LANGD stand as the only two special districts established in Florida to serve as independent utilities owning and operating natural gas transmission and distribution systems.
“We feel very fortunate that we have somebody as qualified and well-experienced as Brent Haywood joining Lake Apopka Natural Gas District,” said LANGD Chairman Bill Arrowsmith. “He is well-qualified, has a wonderful résumé, and has come up through this industry, and I think he is a great fit to be LANGD’s next CEO.”
Haywood will succeed Samuel Davis Jr., who has served as CEO/GM since 2008. Davis Jr. announced his plans to retire earlier this summer.
“I started working in the natural gas industry in 1973, and I’ve certainly enjoyed my time at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District,” said Davis Jr. “I feel like I have accomplished everything I set out to do when I originally started as CEO 16 years ago, but I think it’s finally time for me to relax and enjoy retirement. I have 14 grandchildren, and I look forward to spending more time with all of them.”
The District achieved historic success under the direction of Davis Jr., growing by more than 93% over the past decade to serve over 28,000 customers today. LANGD also received unprecedented recognition under his leadership, including its highest-ever distinction – the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Gold System Overall Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award – in 2020.
Davis Jr. will officially retire at the end of March to allow time for Haywood to transition smoothly into the new role.
“I’m ready to get to work,” said Haywood. “I look forward to getting to know the people, the community, and what resources are available to see how we can continue growing and make even better than what it is today.”
“Brent was our top candidate, and I have all the confidence in the world that he’s going to keep moving the District forward while building on the culture and path that Sam Davis has built over the past 16 years,” added Arrowsmith.
A University of Tennessee alumnus and a licensed practicing engineer in four states, including Florida, Haywood has been involved in the utility sector for nearly three decades. Prior to Okaloosa Gas District, he served in various roles with Xcel Energy (2014-2016), CoServ (2012-2014) and Memphis Light, Gas and Water (1999-2012).
Actively involved in a number of industry associations, Haywood is a current member of the Florida Natural Gas Association’s Operations Committee and the American Gas Association’s Plastic Pipeline Data Committee, while he also served as vice president of the Tennessee Gas Authority (2012) and was a member of the authority’s board of directors (2008-2012).
About Lake Apopka Natural Gas District
About Lake Apopka Natural Gas District Since 1959, Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) has provided clean, efficient, and economical natural gas services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Orange and Lake counties. For more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle, please contact the LANGD Marketing Team at (407) 656-2734, ext. 307 or marketing@langd.org, or visit www.langd.org.
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