Movers and Shakers highlights the career advancements and accomplishments of leaders in diverse areas of standardization, contributing to the strength and success of the U.S. standards and conformance system.
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has promoted Ashley Hood-Morley to chief of staff and senior vice president of industry engagement.
In her dual role, Hood-Morley will bridge executive strategy with cross-functional execution, ensuring PLASTICS’ goals are aligned and advancing at every level of the organization. She will continue to lead member value initiatives, strengthen industry partnerships, and elevate PLASTICS' presence across events, trade shows, and other platforms.
Hood-Morley previously served as vice president of industry engagement and held various director-level roles in sustainability and key accounts during her tenure at the association. Before rejoining PLASTICS, she was strategic initiatives manager on Eastman Chemical Company’s corporate sustainability team and worked in product development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and product stewardship for Eastman’s specialty plastics business. She also spent more than six years at PLASTICS managing new business development.
The American Gas Association (AGA) recently welcomed James Steffes as its chief operating officer.
Steffes is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in energy markets, operations leadership, public affairs, and business transformation. In his new role, he will drive operational excellence across AGA, strengthening cross-functional execution and advancing strategic priorities that support the association’s members and the communities they serve. He will also partner closely with AGA’s president and CEO, leadership team, and staff to ensure strong alignment and effective delivery of key initiatives.
Steffes most recently served as a senior executive at Washington Gas Light. Before that, he held senior leadership roles at Direct Energy, served as a president of Green Mountain Energy, and was a senior leader at NRG Energy. He began his energy career in public policy and regulatory affairs.
“We are delighted to welcome Jim to AGA as our new chief operating officer,” said Karen Harbert, AGA president and CEO. “Jim is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the energy landscape and a track record of delivering results through operational discipline, stakeholder engagement and strategic execution. His experience leading growth and transformation across the energy sector will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and support our members’ critical work.”
“I’m honored to join AGA at such an important time for the natural gas industry and for the energy markets,” said Steffes. “I’m excited to work with this talented team to strengthen execution, support our members, and help advance practical solutions that deliver for customers—today and in the future.”
Steffes has a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School.
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