Jerome T. (Jerry) Schmitz
Jerry Schmitz is Vice President/Safety & Quality at Southwest Gas Corporation. He is responsible for the Environmental Programs, Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management Systems, Quality Improvement, Quality Assurance and Safety, Quality, Training and Qualifications departments.
In his current position, Jerry is focused on elevating Safety and Quality across the Company and developing and communicating strategic initiatives that advance the Company’s Safety and Quality cultures. He ensures the effective training and technical competence of individuals, and compliance with industry environmental and occupational safety and health regulations. He also directs support for quality improvement and quality assurance activities.
Jerry began his career with Southwest in 1989 as an Engineer. Subsequent promotions include Distribution Engineer in 1991, Supervisor/Engineering in 1993, Manager/Operational Quality Assurance in 1998, Director/Gas Operations Support Staff in 2003, Director/Engineering Staff in 2004, and Vice President/Engineering Staff in 2011. He was promoted to his current position as Vice President/Safety & Quality in 2024.
Jerry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics from the University of California at Davis. He holds certifications as a Certified Quality Auditor and a registered Professional Engineer in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Jerry serves on the American Society of Mechanical Engineers B31 Code for Pressure Piping Standards Committee. Jerry is a member of the American Petroleum Institute sponsored Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) Industry Team and a member of the American Gas Association, where he serves on the Operations Section Managing Committee and the PSMS Implementation Collaborative. Additionally, Jerry serves as the Chair for the Advisory Board of the University of Idaho’s Energy Executive Course.