RUSTON, LA — HGA announces employees Doug Welsh, Susan Bagwell, and Steve Blackwelder as the most recent President’s Distinguished Awards recipients.

The President’s Award is the most prestigious distinction for an HGA employee. The award recognizes employees who exceed expectations and demonstrate a strong work ethic over an extended period. They command technical expertise and embrace the role of Subject Matter Expert. And they have demonstrated over an extended period excellence in their field that is recognized both inside and outside the company. It provides the opportunity for employees across the organization to be recognized for outstanding service and significant contributions to the organization, which fall under the categories of service, leadership, and distinguished engineering.

Welsh, who is praised as the technical guru for any and all questions at the office, received the President’s Distinguished Engineer Award. Across the span of his career, Welsh has become a Subject Matter Expert on just about every aspect of natural gas transmission, measurement, compression, welding, construction, and more. With 50 years of industry experience, Welsh provides a wealth of experience and knowledge for both the internal team as well as to clients. He is referred to as the “professor”, as you can take him any technical question and be provided an answer usually along with the applicable code and section driving that answer.For the President’s Service Awards, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Trott Hunt acknowledged awardees for going the extra mile to make a difference at HGA. Bagwell and Blackwelder were recognized for their dedication and service to the organization.

Bagwell embodies the President’s Service Award. Hunt praised the work and efforts of Bagwell. Bagwell, a long-time employee who is part of the executive leadership support team at the James Building, is known for her work thoroughness, professionalism, integrity, and work ethic. She is always looking to make the right decision to support the company and her team members. In the last few years, she has developed and led critical tasks for corporate and supported the president in pursuit of his varied business interests.

Blackwelder was the second employee to receive the President’s Service Award. His manager, Mike Causey, Vice President, Corporate Strategic Development, spoke highly of Blackwelder.

“Steve reflects HGA values," Causey said. "He’s diligent, collaborative, and helpful and adopts a team 'bulldog' approach to his work. I’m so proud he’s being recognized with the HGA Distinguished Service Award.”

Blackwelder embodies the true essence of the business development team; he’s willing to do what is required and is not scared to knock on doors and find new clients. He is always working with others and goes above and beyond for clients. During this time, Blackwelder has generated over $170 million in revenue for HGA.

“All of you can see the incredible dedication and talent here that represents HGA," Hunt said. "I thank each one of this year’s award winners for making a significant impact and for who they are, how they carry themselves, and what they do."