Atmos Energy Corporation Announces Retirement of Karen E. Hartsfield and Appointment of Jessica Bateman Pulliam to Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Rhea-AI Summary

Atmos Energy (NYSE: ATO) announced leadership changes in its legal department. Karen E. Hartsfield, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, will retire in late 2025. She will maintain her current role until December 31, 2024, before transitioning to a Senior Advisor position while remaining on the Management Committee.

Jessica Bateman Pulliam has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective January 1, 2025. Pulliam joins from Baker Botts L.L.P., where she served as partner and co-chair of the Securities and Shareholder Litigation Group. She brings over 21 years of experience in complex legal and regulatory matters.

Positive

• Planned smooth leadership transition with overlap period ensures continuity
• New appointee brings 21+ years of relevant legal and regulatory experience
• Current General Counsel will remain as Senior Advisor during transition

Negative

• None.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) announced today that Karen E. Hartsfield, currently Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, will retire in late 2025 after a distinguished career with the Company. She will serve in her current role until December 31, 2024, and then move into a Senior Advisor position, continuing to serve on the Company’s Management Committee.

Ms. Hartsfield joined Atmos Energy in June 2015 and assumed her current role in August 2017. “Karen has led with integrity and a clear vision that will leave a positive, lasting impression upon our Company. She has been a key member of our senior management team, and we are eternally grateful for her leadership and guidance that has been instrumental to Atmos Energy’s success and strategic direction,” said Kevin Akers, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Jessica Bateman Pulliam to the position of Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective January 1, 2025. In her new role, Ms. Bateman Pulliam will join the Company’s Management Committee, reporting to Kevin Akers, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Ms. Bateman Pulliam will join Atmos Energy from Baker Botts L.L.P. where she currently serves as a partner and co-chair of the firmwide Securities and Shareholder Litigation Group and has served in a variety of leadership positions. Ms. Bateman Pulliam has spent over 21 years at Baker Botts practicing nationwide in various complex legal and regulatory matters. She received her bachelor and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.

“Jessica is well recognized for her leadership and strategic advice,” said Akers, “which makes her an excellent addition to our executive team at Atmos Energy. She and Karen have worked closely for several years and will continue to do so to support a smooth transition.”

About Atmos Energy

Atmos Energy Corporation, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor. We safely deliver reliable, efficient and abundant natural gas to over 3.3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Find us online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205848974/en/

Analyst and Media Contact: 

Dan Meziere

(972) 855-3729

Source: Atmos Energy Corporation

FAQ

When will Karen Hartsfield retire from Atmos Energy (ATO)?

Karen Hartsfield will retire from Atmos Energy in late 2025, transitioning from her current role to Senior Advisor position on December 31, 2024.

Who is the new General Counsel of Atmos Energy (ATO)?

Jessica Bateman Pulliam has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Atmos Energy, effective January 1, 2025.

What is Jessica Bateman Pulliam's background before joining Atmos Energy (ATO)?

Jessica Bateman Pulliam comes from Baker Botts L.L.P., where she served as partner and co-chair of the Securities and Shareholder Litigation Group, with over 21 years of experience in complex legal and regulatory matters.