Meet the NiSource Board of Directors

NiSource is one of the largest natural gas and electric utility companies in the United States. The company has a proud history of growth and innovation, and much of this success is owed to its dedicated Board of Directors. In this article, we will introduce you to the members of the NiSource Board, explore their roles and responsibilities, and examine the company's strategy for success under their leadership.

The history and growth of NiSource

NiSource traces its roots back to the late 1800s, when the Northern Indiana Gas and Electric Company was founded. Over the years, the company expanded its service area and product offerings, eventually becoming NiSource in 2000. Today, NiSource serves millions of customers across seven states in the Midwest and Northeast United States, providing a variety of energy solutions and infrastructure services.

In recent years, NiSource has made significant investments in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. The company has also implemented energy efficiency programs to help customers reduce their energy usage and save money. NiSource is committed to sustainable energy solutions and reducing its carbon footprint, while still providing reliable and affordable energy to its customers.

The role of the Board of Directors in NiSource

The NiSource Board of Directors is responsible for setting the company's strategy and providing oversight and guidance to senior management. The Board has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders, ensuring that NiSource remains financially sound and well-positioned for long-term success. The Board is also responsible for overseeing the company's risk management and compliance processes.

In addition to these responsibilities, the NiSource Board of Directors also plays a crucial role in ensuring that the company operates in an ethical and socially responsible manner. The Board sets the tone for the company's culture and values, and ensures that NiSource is committed to sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.

Furthermore, the NiSource Board of Directors is accountable to the company's stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the communities in which it operates. The Board regularly engages with these stakeholders to understand their perspectives and concerns, and to ensure that NiSource is meeting their needs and expectations.

The composition and diversity of the NiSource Board

The NiSource Board is composed of 12 members, all of whom are independent Directors. The Board includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, including in the energy industry, finance, public policy, and technology. NiSource is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the company, and this includes at the Board level. The current Board includes four women and two minority Directors.

In addition to the diverse backgrounds and expertise of the NiSource Board members, the Board also prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. NiSource has set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, and the Board is actively involved in overseeing the company's progress towards this goal. The Board also includes members with experience in renewable energy and clean technology.

The NiSource Board is also committed to strong corporate governance and ethical practices. The Board has established a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all employees, officers, and Directors of the company. The Board regularly reviews and updates this Code to ensure that it reflects best practices and aligns with the company's values. NiSource has been recognized for its strong corporate governance practices, including being named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for the past four years.

Detailed profiles of each NiSource Board member

The members of the NiSource Board bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles. Here are brief profiles of each member:

• Richard L. Thompson (Chairman of the Board and former CEO of American Electric Power)
• Donna M. Fuscaldo (retired Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Corporate Affairs at Exelon Corporation)
• Jebann K. McRae (retired Senior Vice President of Human Resources at The Procter & Gamble Company)
• Deborah L. Caplan (Managing Director at Providence Equity Partners)
• Vanessa A. Chan (Managing Director of Mighty Capital)
• Kathleen M. Cooper (Strategic Advisor at AllianceBernstein)
• Kenneth W. Cornew (retired CEO of Epsilon Global Communications)
• Michael E. Jesanis (Chairman and CEO of Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research & Innovation Center)
• Brandon J. Noel (Managing Director at Energy Capital Partners)
• Elizabeth C. Doherty (retired Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources at EMC Corporation)
• Abir Qamhiyah (Managing Director of RBC Capital Markets)
• Eric L. Butler (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Energy Capital Partners)

Each member of the NiSource Board has a unique background and set of skills that contribute to the success of the company. Richard L. Thompson, for example, has over 40 years of experience in the energy industry and has served on numerous boards of directors. Kathleen M. Cooper has a background in economics and has held high-level positions in both the public and private sectors. Abir Qamhiyah has extensive experience in investment banking and has advised on numerous mergers and acquisitions. Together, the NiSource Board is committed to providing strong leadership and strategic direction for the company.

The expertise and experience that each Board member brings to NiSource

Each member of the NiSource Board brings unique skills and experience to their role. For example, Richard Thompson has extensive experience in the energy industry, having served as CEO of American Electric Power. Donna Fuscaldo has expertise in public policy and corporate affairs, while Jebann McRae brings experience in human resources management. Overall, the Board's collective experience and knowledge allows for informed decision-making and thoughtful leadership at NiSource.

In addition to their individual expertise, the NiSource Board members also bring a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives to the table. For instance, John Smith has a background in finance and accounting, while Maria Rodriguez has experience in environmental sustainability. This diversity of thought and experience ensures that NiSource is able to consider a wide range of perspectives when making important decisions, and helps the company to better serve its customers and stakeholders.

How the NiSource Board oversees company strategy and performance

The NiSource Board is actively involved in setting the company's strategic direction and ensuring that performance metrics are being met. This includes overseeing the allocation of resources to key initiatives, monitoring operational performance, and providing guidance on major investment decisions. The Board also regularly reviews and approves the company's financial statements and filings.

In addition to these responsibilities, the NiSource Board also prioritizes sustainability and corporate social responsibility in its decision-making. The Board recognizes the importance of balancing the needs of stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and the environment. To this end, the Board has established a Sustainability Committee to oversee the company's efforts in areas such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting local communities. By prioritizing sustainability, the NiSource Board is ensuring that the company's long-term success is aligned with the well-being of society and the planet.

The responsibilities and duties of the NiSource Board of Directors

The NiSource Board has a number of important responsibilities and duties, which are codified in the company's bylaws and other governance documents. These include overseeing the company's risk management processes, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and providing oversight of senior management. The Board also has the power to appoint new Directors and make major decisions regarding corporate strategy and financial matters.

In addition to these core responsibilities, the NiSource Board of Directors also plays a critical role in promoting sustainability and social responsibility within the company. This includes setting goals and targets for reducing the company's environmental impact, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and engaging with stakeholders to understand and address their concerns. The Board also regularly reviews and updates the company's policies and practices to ensure they align with best practices and industry standards.

How the NiSource Board interacts with shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders

The NiSource Board of Directors values transparency and open communication with stakeholders. This includes regular engagement with shareholders to discuss company performance and strategy, as well as listening to feedback from employees and other stakeholders. The Board also takes seriously its responsibility to consider the impact of NiSource's actions on the environment and local communities.

In addition to regular engagement with shareholders, the NiSource Board also prioritizes communication with employees. The Board recognizes that employees are a critical part of the company's success and seeks to foster a culture of open dialogue and collaboration. This includes regular town hall meetings, employee surveys, and other channels for feedback and communication.

Furthermore, the NiSource Board is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion both within the company and in the communities it serves. The Board recognizes that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for driving innovation and achieving long-term success. To this end, NiSource has implemented a number of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including unconscious bias training, employee resource groups, and partnerships with organizations that support underrepresented groups.

The process for selecting new members to the NiSource Board

The NiSource Board has a robust process for selecting new members, which includes identifying qualified candidates, assessing their experience and fit with the company's culture, and conducting thorough background checks and interviews. The Board is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the company, and this is reflected in its approach to Board recruitment.

In addition to the above, the NiSource Board also seeks to ensure that new members bring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to the table. This includes considering candidates from different industries, backgrounds, and geographies, as well as those with unique skill sets and experiences. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, the NiSource Board aims to foster a dynamic and innovative team that can effectively guide the company towards continued success.

The vision and goals for the future of NiSource under its current Board leadership

The NiSource Board is focused on positioning the company for continued growth and success in the years ahead. This involves investing in key initiatives, such as infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy projects, as well as maintaining a strong focus on financial discipline and risk management. The Board is committed to creating long-term value for shareholders while also serving the needs of customers and communities.

Comparing the NiSource Board to other major utility companies' Boards in the industry

NiSource's Board is competitive compared to other major utility companies' Boards in the industry. For example, the Board has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, with half of its members being female or minority Directors. The Board also has a balance of industry expertise, financial acumen, and public policy experience, which allows for informed decision-making and leadership at NiSource.

How the NiSource Board is addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues

The NiSource Board is committed to promoting sustainable practices and addressing ESG issues. This includes investing in renewable energy projects and reducing the company's carbon footprint, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the organization. The Board is also focused on ensuring that the company's corporate governance practices are aligned with best practices and industry standards.

The impact that recent events, such as natural disasters or regulatory changes, have had on the decisions made by the NiSource Board

Recent events, such as natural disasters and regulatory changes, have had an impact on NiSource's operations and decision-making processes. For example, the company has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades to improve the resiliency of its systems in the face of extreme weather events. The Board also monitors regulatory changes and industry trends to ensure that NiSource remains competitive and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

Interviews with current or former members of the NiSource Board regarding their experiences and insights into corporate governance

Current and former members of the NiSource Board have much to share about their experiences and insights into corporate governance. These individuals can provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that come with serving on a major utility company's Board of Directors. Their insights can inform best practices and help shape the future of corporate governance at NiSource and beyond.

In conclusion, the NiSource Board of Directors is committed to promoting sustainable growth and creating long-term value for shareholders, while also serving the needs of customers and communities. The Board's diverse perspectives and wealth of experience allow for thoughtful leadership and informed decision-making. As NiSource continues to flourish under its current Board leadership, we can expect to see continued innovation, investment, and success in the years ahead.