Morgan O'Brien

Morgan K. O’Brien is president and chief executive officer of Hope Gas and Hope Utilities. A native of Pittsburgh, he was raised in a blue-collar Irish Catholic family that instilled in him the values of family, faith, and integrity. He has drawn on those values to help lead Hope’s resurgence and has found a kindred spirit in West Virginia, where he has developed a deep appreciation for the state and its people.

An energetic and thoughtful leader, O’Brien is committed to working with leaders in government, industry, and education to create family-sustaining jobs and help position West Virginia as a national leader in innovation and growth. Under his leadership, Hope Gas has expanded its operations to provide energy to 140,000 families across 38 of West Virginia’s 55 counties. That growth has helped increase the company’s workforce to more than 400 employees and broadened opportunities for the next generation to build careers and families in their home state.

Before coming to West Virginia, O’Brien served as CEO of Duquesne Light Company, which provides electric service to 600,000 customers in southwestern Pennsylvania. He later served as CEO of Peoples Gas, serving customers in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

In both roles, he helped expand workforce capacity, grow the customer base, and increase investor value, while also shaping each company into a stronger community partner. Those organizations continue to invest in and collaborate with groups that support economic development and improve quality of life across the region.

O’Brien earned his degrees from Robert Morris University and remains active in civic and business organizations, including serving as chair of his alma mater’s board of trustees. He also serves on several boards, including Matthews International, Watt Fuel Cell Co., and Dollar Energy, and co-chairs Pittsburgh Works Together and the African American Chamber.

He believes the success of Hope Gas is closely tied to West Virginia’s growth, with the 125-year-old company well positioned to thrive as the state prospers. Under O’Brien’s leadership, Hope Gas is investing in a new generation of opportunity and advancing innovation in energy, healthcare, education, technology, and beyond.