James P. Torgerson, president and CEO of UIL Holdings Corporation, has been elected chair of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s board of directors.
CBIA is the state’s largest business organization, supporting policies that promote economic growth, a fiscally responsible state government and a dynamic business climate. Torgerson had served as vice-chair of the CBIA board since December 2012.
“I’m very excited about working with our partners in the business community and the government to help recast Connecticut as a more business-friendly state,” Torgerson said. “While we certainly face significant challenges, I also expect the months and years ahead to be rich with opportunities for growth and job creation in Connecticut.”
Torgerson succeeds the previous CBIA board chair, Donald R. Droppo Jr., president and CEO of Curtis Packaging in Sandy Hook.
CBIA president and chief executive officer John R. Rathgeber acknowledged Torgerson’s tireless efforts promoting opportunities for economic growth in the state, particularly in steering the Connecticut Institute for the 21st Century.
“Jim Torgerson is a remarkable leader, which his peers have recognized in electing him to this critically important role,” Rathgeber said. “His deep understanding of public policy issues make him the ideal choice to lead the business community as we work to address the state’s economic and fiscal challenges and build a stronger, more competitive Connecticut.”
Torgerson has been UIL’s president and CEO since 2006. UIL is the parent company of The United Illuminating Company, The Southern Connecticut Gas Company and Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation, as well as The Berkshire Gas Company in Massachusetts.
Previously, he was president and CEO of the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. and a member of its board of directors. Before joining the Midwest ISO, he served as chief financial officer for several gas and electric utilities in North America.
Torgerson is also active in the community. He has served locally as a board member of Yale New Haven Hospital and the Business Council of Fairfield County. He is also chair of REX (Regional Economic Xcelleration), the Connecticut Institute for the 21st Century, and he serves as a trustee of the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools.
Torgerson takes an active role in organizations that promote the energy industry, particularly those that promote a healthy growth and jobs environment through workforce development. At the national level, he sits on the boards of directors for the Edison Energy Institute and the American Gas Association.