ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION (NYSE:ATO) Files An 8-K Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
Item 9.01.

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

As reported in its news release issued August 2, 2017, Michael E. Haefner, 57, currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Atmos Energy Corporation (“Atmos Energy or the “Company”), has been appointed by the Company’s Board of Directors as President and Chief Executive Officer of Atmos Energy, effective October 1, 2017. Mr. Haefner has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since October 2015, after having served as Executive Vice President from January 2015 through September 2015, and as Senior Vice President, Human Resources from June 2008 through December 2014. Kim R. Cocklin, 66, currently Chief Executive Officer of the Company, has been appointed as Executive Chairman of the Board, also effective October 1, 2017. Bob Best, 70, who has served as Chairman of the Board since March 1997, will continue to serve on the Board.

Although Atmos Energy is not a party to any employment agreement with Mr. Haefner, beginning October 1, 2017, in connection with his promotion, he will receive an increase in annual base salary from $650,000 to $850,000, with a commensurate increase in his incentive target awards under Atmos Energy’s short-term and long-term incentive compensation plans. Mr. Haefner will also continue his participation in all applicable benefit plans offered by Atmos Energy to our senior officers. In addition, beginning October 1, 2017, Mr. Cocklin’s annual base salary will be reduced from $1,004,500 to $850,000 and he will also continue his participation in all applicable benefit plans offered by Atmos Energy to our senior officers.

A copy of the news release issued on August 2, 2017 announcing these management changes is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

As reported in its news release issued August 7, 2017, Karen E. Hartsfield, Senior Attorney of the Company, has been appointed by the Company’s Board of Directors as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Atmos Energy, effective August 7, 2017. Ms. Hartsfield has served as a Senior Attorney since she joined the Company in June 2015, after having served in private practice for 19 years, most recently as Managing Partner of Jackson Lewis LLP in its Dallas office from July 2013 to June 2015. Prior to joining Jackson Lewis as a partner in January 2009, Ms. Hartsfield was a partner with Baker Botts LLP in Dallas.

A copy of the news release issued on August 7, 2017 announcing her appointment is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.2.

ATMOS ENERGY CORP Exhibit
EX-99.1 2 ato20170808exhibit991.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 Exhibit Exhibit 99.1   News ReleaseAnalysts and Media Contact:Susan Giles (972) 855-3729 Atmos Energy Corporation Names Haefner as President and Chief Executive Officer;Cocklin named Executive ChairmanDALLAS (August 2,…
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About ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION (NYSE:ATO)

Atmos Energy Corporation is engaged primarily in the regulated natural gas distribution and pipeline businesses, as well as other nonregulated natural gas businesses. The Company operates through three segments: regulated distribution segment, which includes its regulated distribution and related sales operations; regulated pipeline segment, which includes the pipeline and storage operations of its Atmos Pipeline-Texas Division, and nonregulated segment, which includes its nonregulated natural gas management, nonregulated natural gas transmission, storage and other services. The Company’s nonregulated businesses provide natural gas management, marketing, transportation and storage services to municipalities, local gas distribution companies, including certain of its natural gas distribution divisions and industrial customers principally in the Midwest and Southeast.