The boards of the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG) and the Natural Gas Supply Association have approved and implemented the merger of the two trade associations, and appointed a former America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) executive to head the combined organization.

“Joining the two associations exponentially increases the effectiveness of both organizations and gives CLNG an even stronger platform for its advocacy and education efforts,” said CLNG Chairman Richard Lammons. “The associations have complementary missions and goals, with each organization promoting well-functioning markets and the economic benefits of LNG.”

NGSA and CLNG announced plans for the merger last May (see Daily GPI, May 8, 2015). Following the combination, both organizations would retain their brands, they said.

CLNG also announced Tuesday that Charlie Riedl has been named executive director. Riedl, who was most recently was director of Market Development for ANGA, will also serve as a senior vice president of NGSA.

NGSA represents integrated and independent companies that supply natural gas, encouraging the use of gas within a balanced national energy policy and promoting the benefits of competitive markets. CLNG is a trade association of LNG producers, shippers, terminal operators and developers, and energy trade associations.