Alumni Merit Award

Each year U-M Industrial and Operations Engineering recognizes an alum who personifies the College of Engineering’s tradition of excellence.

2020 Alumni Merit Award Honoree: Anne Shen Smith

Anne Shen Smith retired in 2014 as the chairman and CEO of Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), a subsidiary of Sempra Energy. SoCalGas is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, delivering energy services to over 23 million consumers.

Smith started her career with SoCalGas in 1977 and held leadership positions in marketing, public affairs, strategic planning, environmental policy, regulatory affairs, customer care, support services, and operations. Smith received numerous awards for community service and environmental leadership. She was appointed to policy advisory commissions at the local, state, and federal levels. She served as a member of the board of directors for the PG&E Corporation — a Fortune 500 company, the American Gas Association, Coalition for Clean Air, Southern California Leadership Council, UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center, Asian American Advancing Justice Los Angeles, and California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. She continues to be actively involved in her community and is a member of The Trusteeship — an affiliate of the International Women’s Forum, and Women Corporate Directors.

Smith immigrated to the United States from Taiwan in 1964. She received her bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and has a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from the University of California at Berkeley.