James W. Connell, Jr.

Jim is the President of Centuri Gas Group for Centuri Group, Inc. In this role, Jim leads the Gas Group’s operations across the United States and Canada, including oversight of four operating companies: Canyon Pipeline, Neuco, NPL, and NPL Canada.

In this role, Jim is focused on leading strategic and long-range planning efforts, supporting Centuri’s vision for growth and sustainability in the gas markets.  He also leads several strategic customer-focused initiatives, including the development of key executive relationships, strategic alliances, contract renewals, and several executive customer forums. In addition, he has led the organization in the development of diverse business enterprise relationships with suppliers across the United States. He is also responsible for developing and executing enterprise marketing, public relations, and other corporate communications across Centuri’s key audiences.

Jim joined Centuri in 2006 as Director of Supply Chain and Asset Management for NPL Construction Co. He has led a number of initiatives across the organization in roles of increasing responsibility as Director of Risk Management and Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. He was promoted to Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Communications in 2017, and then to Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer in 2018. Prior to Centuri, Jim held various roles at Deere & Company in the Worldwide Construction and Forestry Division. Upon becoming Division Manager, Corporate Business Division in 2000, Jim built a number of executive relationships throughout the industry while developing strategies for growth.

Jim is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in technical systems management. He is an active supporter of several local charities, including the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation and Ryan House, and he is the founder of the Fore Griffin Foundation. Jim currently serves as a board member for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Scottsdale and the National Safety Council.