Natural Gas Hero: Todd Borland
Todd Borland has never been one to seek out the spotlight. In fact, those who know him often describe him as an introvert, a good fit for someone whose job involves working with numbers and regulations. However, when it comes to helping others, Todd happily steps out of his comfort zone to serve his community.
Todd, a lead claims analyst for Columbia Gas of Ohio’s corporate insurance department, first started volunteering with Meals on Wheels after Heidi Gossett, director of corporate insurance, challenged her team to give back and volunteer in their communities. Todd decided to get involved.
“My norm is to be the wallflower and avoid eye contact … [but] it was a good challenge to take on.”
Todd remembered that a friend and former manager talked about her experience volunteering with Meals on Wheels. That friend’s story, along with his own personal commitment to nutrition and clean eating, inspired him to get involved with the LifeCare Alliance Meals on Wheels program in Columbus.
“It was something that clicked with me,” said Todd, “and it felt like it was good to help the community with their nutrition as well.”
Meals on Wheels is especially important to the elderly and disabled who depend on the program to meet their basic needs.
Todd volunteers once a month with Meals on Wheels, packing food and delivering meals. Many of the families and individuals he visits rely on the program for both meals and socialization. During the pandemic, Todd continued his work as he knew many people would be feeling even more isolated. He now loves to open up and chat with those he visits, discussing football and telling stories about his Great Dane, Moose.
Todd jokes, “I could talk about Moose and Ohio State all day long.”
Giving back to the communities they serve is a core value of Columbia Gas of Ohio, with many of their employees volunteering with organizations like Meals on Wheels. They even honor one employee every year with their Columbia Cares Volunteer of the Year award. In 2020, Todd discovered that he’d been recognized as the Columbia Cares Volunteer of the Year. Todd said he just “sat there in shock.”
“It’s definitely a team effort,” said Todd, who often volunteers with his wife Natalie. “You know, you don’t realize it until you do it, but when you go and hand somebody their lunch for the day, they’re so appreciative of that.”
Todd Borland is a great example of how natural gas employees take pride in the communities they serve. As an industry, we are inspired by the personal connection Todd Borland has forged with the people he serves. His work with Meals on Wheels makes him this month’s Natural Gas Hero, a part of the American Gas Association’s Fueling Our Communities series.