James H. DeGraffenreidt, Jr. was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Washington Gas Light Holdings, Inc. Previously, DeGraffenreidt was President from 1994 to 2001. He also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Washington Gas Light Company. DeGraffenreidt served as Chairman of the American Gas Association since 2007 and he was Co-Chair of the Alliance to Save Energy. DeGraffenreidt, who began his career as an attorney, has a broad range of experiences in matters relating to telecommunications, public utilities, public finance and energy regulatory matters.

DeGraffenreidt has a number of community and civic affiliations including being a Member of the Maryland Science Center, Member and former President of the Maryland State Board of Education. Also, DeGraffenreidt is a Trustee of the Walters Art Museum.