CASPER, Wyo. — Shelley Shelby, of Continental Resources, has been appointed by the Petroleum Association of Wyoming’s Management Committee as chair, making her the first woman to hold this leadership position within the organization.
The shift in board leadership marks a historic milestone in PAW’s 50-year history, the association said in a Wednesday news release.
Alongside Shelley, Gabriel Sepulveda, representing Williams, has been named vice-chair, while Peter Wold of Wold Oil Co. continues in his role as secretary–treasurer. Additionally, the Management Committee appointed Frances MacDonald of Anschutz Exploration Corp. and Bryce Ballard of Ballard Petroleum to fill vacancies on the Management Committee.
Shelby’s appointment as chair marks an occasion not only for PAW but also for the broader energy industry, demonstrating the contributions of women in an industry long thought to be male-dominated. With more than a decade of experience in the petroleum and government affairs sectors, Shelby brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership acumen to her new role, the release states.
As the 26th Chair of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, she is poised to lead the organization into an era of innovation and growth as it moves into its next 50 years.
“I am honored to serve as the chair of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming and to be the first woman to hold this position in the association’s history,” Shelby said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members to address the opportunities and challenges facing our industry, and to advocate for the continued success of Wyoming’s energy sector.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Shelley as our new chair, along with Gabriel Sepulveda as Vice-Chair,” said Pete Obermueller, PAW president. “Their diverse backgrounds and industry expertise will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of the energy sector and work to promote Wyoming’s vital role in America’s energy future.”
The Petroleum Association of Wyoming serves as the voice of the oil and natural gas industry.
