Meet the Spire Board of Directors

As a publicly-traded company, Spire has a Board of Directors responsible for overseeing the management team and making key strategic decisions. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the composition and responsibilities of the Spire Board, as well as the challenges it faces in today's business environment.

Who are the members of the Spire Board of Directors?

The Spire Board is comprised of 10 members, with diverse backgrounds and experiences in various industries. The current Board members are:

• Paul Skoog - Chairman of the Board
• Susan Spradley - Lead Director
• Scott Carter
• Steven Rasche
• Peter Ragauss
• Suzanne Sitherwood
• L. Spencer Wells
• Daniel Boyle
• Gerald Cook
• Janeen Judah

Paul Skoog has been a member of the Spire Board of Directors since 2010 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2018. He has over 30 years of experience in the energy industry and has held various executive positions in companies such as Duke Energy and Progress Energy.

Janeen Judah, the newest member of the Spire Board, joined in 2020. She has over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and has held various leadership positions in companies such as Chevron and Saudi Aramco. Judah is also a member of the National Petroleum Council and serves on the board of directors for the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

The role of the Board in Spire's decision-making process

The Spire Board plays a critical role in guiding the company's strategic direction and ensuring long-term success. It provides oversight, approves major investments and acquisitions, and works closely with the management team to manage risk and create value for shareholders. It also ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

One of the key responsibilities of the Spire Board is to evaluate and approve the company's annual budget. This involves reviewing financial projections, assessing potential risks and opportunities, and making strategic decisions about resource allocation. The Board also monitors the company's financial performance throughout the year, and may make adjustments to the budget as needed.

In addition to its financial oversight role, the Spire Board is also responsible for setting the company's culture and values. This involves establishing ethical standards, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that the company operates in a socially responsible manner. The Board works closely with the management team to develop and implement policies and programs that support these goals, and regularly evaluates the company's progress in these areas.

Key responsibilities of the Spire Board

The Board's key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the management team and ensuring the company is well-managed
• Setting strategic direction and approving major investments and acquisitions
• Evaluating and managing risks
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Monitoring financial performance and meeting financial objectives
• Ensuring the company operates ethically and with integrity

In addition to these key responsibilities, the Spire Board also plays a crucial role in maintaining effective communication with stakeholders. This includes shareholders, employees, customers, and the wider community. The Board ensures that all stakeholders are informed about the company's performance, strategy, and any significant developments. By maintaining open and transparent communication, the Board helps to build trust and confidence in the company, which is essential for long-term success.

How the Board is structured and organized

The Spire Board is organized into four committees: Audit, Compensation, Governance, and Strategic. Each committee is responsible for specific areas of oversight and meets regularly to review relevant issues and make recommendations to the full Board. The Board also holds regular meetings throughout the year to discuss major strategic and operational issues.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the company's financial reporting and internal controls. They review the company's financial statements, internal audit reports, and external auditor's reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for setting executive compensation and ensuring that it aligns with the company's performance and goals. They also review and approve compensation packages for other key employees and oversee the company's employee benefit plans.

The qualifications and experience required to become a Spire Board member

Spire seeks Board members with strong business acumen, relevant industry experience, and a commitment to providing value to shareholders. In addition, the company values diversity and seeks to ensure that the Board reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Furthermore, Spire requires Board members to have a strong understanding of corporate governance principles and a willingness to uphold ethical standards. Candidates should also possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to think strategically and make informed decisions. Spire values individuals who are passionate about driving innovation and growth, and who are committed to making a positive impact on the company and its stakeholders.

What motivates individuals to serve on the Spire Board?

Many individuals are motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a successful company and to help guide its strategic direction. Board members are also typically compensated for their time and efforts, and may be interested in the potential for personal and professional growth that comes with Board service.

In addition, serving on the Spire Board can provide individuals with valuable networking opportunities and the chance to collaborate with other experienced professionals in their field. Board members may also be motivated by a desire to give back to their community or to support a company whose mission aligns with their personal values.

The challenges faced by the Spire Board in today's business environment

The Spire Board faces a number of challenges in today's rapidly-evolving business environment. These challenges include managing risk in a complex and uncertain world, navigating regulatory and legal requirements, and making strategic investments that will position the company for long-term growth and success. The Board must also ensure that it is acting in the best interests of shareholders, while balancing the needs of other stakeholders such as customers, employees, and communities.

One of the additional challenges faced by the Spire Board is the need to adapt to new technologies and changing consumer preferences. With the rise of digital platforms and the increasing demand for sustainable products and services, the Board must stay ahead of the curve and invest in innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers.

Another challenge faced by the Spire Board is the need to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive job market. The Board must ensure that the company offers competitive compensation packages, fosters a positive work culture, and provides opportunities for professional development and growth. This is essential for maintaining a skilled and motivated workforce that can drive the company's success in the long run.

How does the Board ensure that it is acting in the best interests of shareholders?

The Spire Board is accountable to shareholders, and is responsible for ensuring that the company is operating in a financially sustainable and ethical manner. To ensure this, the Board regularly reviews financial performance and meets with management to provide oversight and guidance. It also seeks input from shareholders, and is committed to transparency and open communication.

In addition, the Board has established a set of corporate governance principles that guide its decision-making and ensure that it is acting in the best interests of shareholders. These principles include a focus on long-term value creation, a commitment to ethical behavior and compliance with laws and regulations, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion in the company's leadership and workforce.

The relationship between the Spire Board and executive management team

The Spire Board works closely with the executive management team to ensure that the company is well-managed and strategically positioned for success. The Board provides oversight, approves major investments and acquisitions, and evaluates risks. It also sets compensation for the CEO and other executives, and provides guidance on key strategic issues.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Spire Board and executive management team also collaborate on developing and implementing the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives. This includes identifying areas where Spire can make a positive impact on society and the environment, and creating programs and partnerships to achieve these goals. By working together, the Board and management team ensure that Spire is not only successful financially, but also contributes to the greater good.

How does diversity play a role in Spire's Board composition?

Spire values diversity in its Board composition, recognizing that a variety of backgrounds and perspectives can strengthen decision-making and provide a broader range of insights into complex issues. The Board seeks to ensure that it reflects a variety of experiences, including those of women, minorities, and individuals with international experience.

Research has shown that diverse boards are more likely to make better decisions and achieve better financial performance. By having a diverse Board, Spire is able to tap into a wider range of skills and experiences, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions to business challenges.

Furthermore, having a diverse Board can also help Spire better understand and serve its diverse customer base. By having Board members with different backgrounds and perspectives, Spire can gain insights into the needs and preferences of different customer segments, and tailor its products and services accordingly.

Governance practices followed by the Spire Board

The Spire Board follows a number of governance practices to ensure that it operates ethically, transparently, and with integrity. These practices include regular reviews of financial and operational performance, an active role in setting executive compensation, and a commitment to open and transparent communication with shareholders and stakeholders.

In addition to these practices, the Spire Board also has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. The board is committed to ensuring that its members represent a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This helps to ensure that the board is able to make well-informed decisions that take into account the needs and interests of all stakeholders.

Another key governance practice followed by the Spire Board is a focus on sustainability. The board recognizes the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in driving long-term value creation. As such, the board regularly reviews the company's ESG performance and sets targets for improvement in areas such as carbon emissions, employee diversity, and community engagement.

Key decisions made by the Spire Board in recent years

The Spire Board has made a number of key decisions in recent years, including:

• Approving the acquisition of Alabama Gas Corporation
• Increasing investment in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar
• Updating the company's strategic plan to prioritize long-term growth and sustainability

In addition to these decisions, the Spire Board has also implemented a number of initiatives to improve the company's environmental impact. These include:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of more efficient equipment and processes
• Investing in research and development of new technologies to further reduce the company's carbon footprint
• Partnering with local communities to promote sustainable practices and reduce waste

The future outlook for Spire and how the Board is positioned to drive growth

The Spire Board is focused on positioning the company for long-term growth and success in the rapidly-evolving energy industry. The company is increasing investment in renewable energy sources, expanding into new markets, and pursuing strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The Board is well-positioned to guide these efforts, with diverse backgrounds and extensive experience in various industries.

One of the key areas of focus for Spire is the development of innovative technologies that can help the company stay ahead of the competition. The Board is actively exploring new technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, Spire aims to create new revenue streams and improve its operational performance.

In addition to its focus on technology, Spire is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company has set ambitious goals for reducing its carbon footprint and increasing its use of renewable energy sources. The Board is working closely with management to ensure that these goals are met, while also promoting ethical business practices and community engagement. By prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility, Spire is not only doing the right thing for the planet and its stakeholders, but also positioning itself for long-term success in a world where these issues are increasingly important.

Lessons learned from the experiences of other Boards that can be applied at Spire

The Spire Board seeks to learn from the experiences of other companies and industries, and to apply best practices to its own governance and decision-making processes. Key lessons include the importance of transparency and communication, the need to balance risk and reward, and the value of diversity and inclusion in decision-making.

As a publicly-traded company, Spire is committed to ensuring that it is well-governed and positioned for long-term success. The Spire Board plays a critical role in this effort, providing oversight, guidance, and strategic direction. With a commitment to transparency, communication, and diversity, the Board is well-positioned to drive growth and create value for shareholders in today's rapidly-evolving business environment.