Laurel Leadership Gala 2025

This year, we are thrilled to recognize Morgan O’Brien for his outstanding contributions to advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities in West Virginia. His exceptional leadership in driving economic development, creating family-sustaining jobs, and improving the quality of life in West Virginia. As CEO of Hope Gas, he has positioned the company as a community partner committed to fostering growth and inclusion. His work reflects the values of the Laurel Leadership Award, celebrating advocacy, philanthropy, and meaningful action to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Morgan’s dedication to these principles makes him deserving of this prestigious honor.

Morgan K. O’Brien is Hope’s Chief Executive Officer. He is a native Pittsburgher who was raised by a blue-collar Irish-Catholic family to value all people and all forms of work. His work ethic and value of other people helped him rise to become CEO at Duquesne Light Company the electric provider for Western Pennsylvania. He later moved over to become the CEO at Peoples Gas, serving Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

In those roles, he was the face and voice of the hardworking employees who dedicated each day to helping the families and businesses they serve. He successfully helped grow both companies in terms of employment, customer base, and in total investor value. He has positioned Peoples and Duquesne Light as the true community partners and champions they are today.

He is doing the same with Hope Gas and the Hope Utilities family of companies. Hope Utilities drives economic development, creates family-sustaining jobs, and improves the quality of life in the regions it serves.

O’Brien earned his college degree from Robert Morris University. O’Brien is active with charitable organizations and serves on many boards, some of which include Matthews International and Watt Fuel Cell Company.