Vicki Webster

My success has come from perseverance, hard work, and not being afraid to start wherever the opportunity presented itself. I’ve built my career by staying curious, investing in learning, and leading with authenticity. I believe success isn’t just about individual achievement—it’s about creating impact, supporting others, and leaving things better than you found them.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, embracing challenges, and remaining open to opportunities that may not have been part of the original plan. Some of my greatest professional and personal growth has come from moments that required resilience, adaptability, and trust in the process.

I also attribute my success to the people who invested in me along the way, leaders, colleagues, and teams who challenged me, supported me, and helped shape my perspective. Today, I try to pay that forward by creating opportunities for others, encouraging collaboration, and contributing to work that makes a meaningful difference. Success, to me, is measured not only by what you accomplish, but by the positive impact you leave on people, organizations, and the communities you serve.

The best career advice I’ve received came from a few different leaders throughout my journey. One of my previous directors used to say, “Vicki, think about it—does it need to be said, and does it need to be said now?” That advice has stayed with me because it aligns closely with something another leader told me early in my leadership career: do not respond out of emotion.

That lesson has been incredibly important. When we react emotionally, we often make decisions or say things we can’t take back, and sometimes we fail to consider all stakeholders or perspectives before moving forward. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and ask whether something truly needs to be said—and whether now is the right time—has made me a better leader and decision-maker.

Another moment that shaped me may not have been intended as advice, but it became one of the most impactful lessons of my career. I was once told I couldn’t apply for a director role because I didn’t have my degree at the time. Hearing “no” could have discouraged me, but instead it motivated me. I went back and earned my bachelor’s degree, and now I’m preparing to complete my master’s degree this August.

That experience taught me that sometimes rejection can become fuel. It pushed me to keep growing, investing in myself, and removing barriers so that when opportunities come along, it’s much harder for someone to tell me I can’t pursue them

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Pull up your own chair to the table—don’t wait for an invitation. Create your own seat and make your presence known. There is no such thing as a dumb question, and every question is an opportunity to learn.

Ask for advice. Find someone you connect with and seek mentorship—whether that’s a man or woman in the industry. Stay curious and continue learning.

No matter how long you’ve been in the industry—one year, fifteen years, or eighteen years—keep asking questions and seeking answers. I still do.

And don’t be afraid of rejection. I’ve been told no before, and instead of stopping me, it lit a fire underneath me. Rejection will happen, but what matters most is what you choose to do next. Use it as motivation, keep moving forward, and don’t let someone else’s “no” define your potential.

One of the biggest opportunities I see in the natural gas industry, and I intentionally call it an opportunity rather than a challenge, is encouraging more women, especially young women, to consider careers in this field. The industry offers so many different career paths and opportunities for growth. While it has traditionally been male dominated, there is tremendous potential for women to enter the industry, build meaningful careers, advance into leadership roles, and ultimately have a seat at the decision-making table. Expanding awareness and creating pathways for the next generation of women in energy is one of the greatest opportunities ahead for our industry.

Integrity and community service are two values that are deeply important to me. Providing essential energy is a critical part of what our members do, but their impact goes far beyond energy delivery. Our members are actively engaged in strengthening the communities they serve through outreach, volunteerism, and service initiatives that make a lasting difference.

Affordability is also incredibly important and that means ensuring customers have access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy while supporting the well-being of local communities. To me, success in this industry is not measured only by operations and infrastructure, but by the positive impact we create for people.

That commitment to giving back is something we strongly believe in at the American Gas Association as well. Community service and outreach are not just initiatives; they are part of who we are and how we support the communities we live and work in.