Atmos Energy Corporation reported that Charles K. Vaughan has retired from the company's board of directors, effective December 27, 2012. Subsequent to his retirement, in recognition of his more than 55 years of service to Atmos Energy and the role he had in building and leading the company, the board appointed Vaughan as an honorary director, effective January 1, 2013.

Vaughan first joined the company in 1957, when it was a part of Pioneer Corporation, and served in numerous leadership capacities until 1983, when Atmos Energy became an independent public company. At that time, Vaughan was named the company's first chairman, president and chief executive officer. Over the next several years, Vaughan led the company through a series of successful acquisitions, relocation of its headquarters from Amarillo to Dallas and the listing of the company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange. Subsequent to retiring as chairman of the board in 1997, Vaughan continued to serve as a director of the company until his retirement, along with serving as lead director since October 2003.

Tags: Atmos Energy Corporation