Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Gas Systems, Inc (VGS) announced today that President and CEO Neale Lunderville will step down at the end of 2026 after more than six years at the helm. The VGS Board of Directors will conduct a search for his successor.
Lunderville said the decision comes at a time of strength for the company.
“This is the right moment for change and renewal,” Lunderville said. “VGS is financially secure, our operations are strong, and our energy transformation work is gaining momentum. Most importantly, we have an extraordinary team focused every day on safety, reliability, and affordability, with exceptional customer care. VGS is well positioned for the future and ready to build on its success.”
Lunderville joined VGS in 2020 after helping the company develop its first Climate Plan. Since then, VGS has expanded its energy efficiency programs, launched in-home electrification services including heat pumps, and increased renewable natural gas (RNG) in its portfolio to nation-leading levels. VGS partnered to bring online two RNG digesters at Vermont farms in Salisbury and Berkshire, producing enough energy to heat thousands of homes.
The company is now preparing for its first geothermal project and has expanded into hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial customers. VGS was also the first gas utility in the nation to sell and service electric heat pump water heaters. VGS is regarded as one of the most forward-thinking gas companies in the country and a national leader for how utilities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions with cost-effective strategies.
“When Neale started at VGS, the company needed to demonstrate how a gas utility could be part of Vermont’s climate solution,” said Theresa Alberghini DiPalma, Chair of the VGS Board of Directors. “Under Neale’s leadership, VGS has done just that, while keeping rates low and customer satisfaction high. He will leave the company in excellent shape, with an incredibly strong VGS team, and a clear path forward.”
Lunderville has represented VGS in a number of roles designed to tackle some of the state’s biggest challenges during his tenure. He serves on the advisory board for Energy Action Network (EAN) and co-chairs their Weatherization at Scale network action team. Lunderville is also the vice-chair of Let’s Build Homes and the Vermont Business Roundtable, and is a director on numerous other non-profit and company boards, including the Preservation Trust of Vermont.
Alberghini DiPalma added: “Neale has led VGS through a period of dynamic change with clarity and purpose. His vision, energy, and commitment to community vibrancy have positioned VGS as a model for how a local energy company can truly make a difference in the lives of its customers. He is highly regarded across the state as a leader who will help tackle any challenge. We are grateful for his service and his continued support through the transition.”
Lunderville added that he is optimistic about VGS’s future. “I believe in the power of new energy and fresh ideas in leadership positions. VGS’s next leader will harness the collective talent of the amazingly skilled VGS team to strengthen the company’s commitment to customers and continue to be a key partner in leading the state’s energy transition.”
“I’ve always been drawn to big, complex challenges – to problems that don’t have easy answers,” Lunderville concluded. “At the end of the leadership transition, I’ll be ready to rest for a minute – and then focus on other ways to serve Vermont in the months and years to come.”
Before joining VGS, Lunderville served as general manager of Burlington Electric Department from 2014 to 2018. He was also CEO and co-founder of a Vermont-based energy company and held senior roles in state government, including secretary of transportation (2006–2008) and secretary of administration (2008–2011) under Governor Jim Douglas. In 2011, he was appointed by Governor Peter Shumlin as Vermont’s first Irene Recovery Officer following Tropical Storm Irene.
The VGS Board expects to name a successor in summer 2026 following a search. Lunderville will remain with VGS until the end of the year to facilitate a seamless transition.
2.4.2026. SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT – Vermont Gas Systems, Inc