The American Public Gas Association has appointed Todd Jorgenson to its board of directors.

Jorgenson, gas/water engineering operations director for Austin Utilities, was appointed in July during the 2011 APGA Annual Meeting in Memphis, Tenn., where he began a three-year term.

“Mr. Jorgenson brings to the APGA board many years of experience working in the natural gas industry,” said CEO and president Bert Kalisch in a news release. “His leadership ability and knowledge of energy issues, especially with natural gas utilities, will serve our members and industry well.”

Jorgenson has more than 29 years of experience in the municipal utility industry working in the natural gas, water distribution and production, engineering and generation departments.

At Austin Utilities, he manages natural gas distribution system that includes the gas service, metering and construction. Jorgenson holds a class C water supply system operator certificate from the Minnesota Department of Health. Jorgenson is also active in the community serving as a board member for the Austin Main Street Project.

APGA leaders said they’re pleased to have Jorgenson on the board during an important time in Washington.

“This year we expect the administration and Congress to address pipeline safety reauthorization, natural gas vehicles, greater direct use of natural gas, appliance efficiency standards and gas supply,” Kalisch said. “Todd understands the national issues as well as the challenges public gas utilities face and how to successfully address those issues. We look forward to his tenure during these next three years.”

APGA is a national, not-for-profit association of over 700 municipal and other publicly owned local distribution systems in 36 states.