Washington Gas is honored to celebrate Black History Month and each week during February 2026 we will profile one of our employees and what Black History means to them.
Lisa Gillison
Director of Energy Acquisition
As Director of Energy Acquisition at Washington Gas, I oversee the team responsible for securing reliable, low-cost natural gas supply for our customers. My work includes portfolio asset management, long- and short-term supply planning, purchasing and scheduling, and oversight of our Asset Optimization and Choice retail programs. Ensuring a reliable and low-cost natural gas supply is critical. During the recent winter storm, my team’s work played a key part in keeping energy costs down for our 1.2 million customers in the DMV.
Beyond my title and responsibilities, who I am and how I lead is deeply rooted in my identity and in the history that shaped me.
Black history, to me, is deeply personal. I was once told that authenticity is a superpower, and I’ve carried that truth with me ever since. The confidence to stand out, to embrace everything that makes me who I am, comes from my culture and my upbringing. That foundation is a gift built on the determination of those who came before me. My journey, both personally and professionally, exists because of my mother, mentors, and trailblazers that cleared paths that were never meant for them. As a mother, I feel the weight and beauty of Black history in how I raise my daughters. I want them to see their identity as a source of strength and to understand that they belong in any space they choose to enter. The lessons of our history including resilience, creativity, and pride, shape the way I teach them about possibility.
Black history also shapes how I navigate professional spaces. It reminds me that my presence matters, especially when I am the only one in the room. It pushes me to speak up, create meaningful relationships, lead with integrity, and create room for others. Representation is not symbolic, it changes outcomes. I carry the responsibility of honoring those who didn’t have the same access or opportunity by making the most of the opportunities I have today.
There is immense pride in Black history for me. That includes pride in our creativity, our intelligence, and our culture. It lives in the music that shaped my childhood, the traditions that ground me, and the community that continues to uplift and challenge me. Even in the face of adversity, Black people have always created joy.
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the richness of our culture and the profound contributions Black people have made to society. It is a moment to honor our ancestors, celebrate Black excellence in the present, and continue creating opportunities for the generations that will follow us.
It is both remembrance and responsibility. And for me, it is a reminder to lead with courage, authenticity, and purpose.