engineering for the future of gas and pipeline operations
George Ragula, CEO
BIOGRAPHY
George Ragula is an expert with cutting edge technologies that increase efficiency and effectiveness of operations in the gas industry. He has been directly involved with the research, design, development and implementation of many innovative technologies utilized by the industry. His decades of work in this area have focused on the development and technology transfer of trenchless technologies. A recognized leader in the industry, George spent 33 years of his 43 year career in the gas industry committed to the ever-growing technologies in trenchless construction.
His diverse background in gas distribution engineering and operations is applied with each consulting engagement. Prior to joining PSE&G in 1988, he held positions at Brooklyn Union Gas in engineering, operations, construction and management. He has published over 75 papers and reports, George developed and taught several NASTT courses on trenchless technology topics, including CIPL for the Gas Industry.
George is an avid technical diver, enjoys skiing and is a corvette collector where he competes in amateur racing.
education
George holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in New York.
“As a renewal technique, CIPL has a smaller equipment footprint, minimal disruption, lower costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. IT’s ideal for high traffic and sensitive areas. CIPL is the only viable option for bridges, highways, railroad crossings and inaccessible areas.”
- George Ragula
awards and recognition
2018 - NASTT Hall of Fame Award for society’s most outstanding members for accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of the trenchless industry
2009 - AGA John B. McGowan Sr. Research Award for R&D contributions to the gas industry.
2006 - AGA Acker Medal and Award for the“Robotics Technology Goes Live” for Repairing Gas Mains” paper and presentation
2005 - R&D 100 team award for developing and commercializing break through leak detection technology using laser principles
2004 - AGA Distribution Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to the science and art of gas distribution
2000 - AGA Milton W. Heath Sr. Memorial Award for contributions in the field of leak detection
2000 - R&D 100 award for Guided Piercing Tool
AFFILIATIONS
American Gas Association (AGA) and former Chair of the Construction Operations Committee
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Distribution Project Advisor for the Gas Research Institute for 15 years
Treasurer of the Northeast Gas Distribution Council and formerly a Project Advisor for the Gas Technology Institute Operations Technology Development Program
Society of Gas Operators and served as President 2014-2015
Program Chair for the Annual No-Dig Conference in 2012
Chair of the Board of Directors for the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) 2011-2012
NYSEARCH – Northeast Gas Association Chair of R&D Committee 2004-2006 and served as technical project advisor
New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists