Staff

Pete Obermueller

Pete Obermueller is President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, the state’s only trade association that serves as the voice of Wyoming’s primary economic driver – the oil and gas industry. A graduate of Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming, Pete holds a Master Degree in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota. Following several years of serving Wyoming as an aide to former United States Representatives Barbara Cubin and Cynthia Lummis, Pete moved back home to Wyoming in 2013. Pete is active in many organizations, including as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, a founding Board Member of the Western Caucus Foundation, and a Board Member for Union Telephone Company. Pete enjoys a good cup of coffee, a nice bourbon, running, backpacking, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Ryan McConnaughey

Email: Ryan@pawyo.org

Ryan McConnaughey has been with the Petroleum Association of Wyoming since 2019. He currently serves as the Vice President & Director of Communications for PAW. Ryan brings extensive experience to the position having spent more than 15 years in constituent services, communication, public affairs, and policy development spanning the agriculture, natural resources, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and government sectors. Prior to joining PAW, Ryan worked for the Pronghorn Agency, a Wyoming-based public relations firm. Ryan started his professional career serving 6 years as a Field Representative and Grants Coordinator for Wyoming’s Member of Congress. Ryan is a lifelong Wyomingite having graduated from Riverton High School. He received his Master of Science degree from New Mexico State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming. He is also a graduate of the Leadership Wyoming Class of 2015.

Lily Simon

Email: Lily@pawyo.org

Lily Simon joined the Petroleum Association of Wyoming in August of 2025 as the Director of Regulatory Affairs. In this role, she leads PAW’s state and federal regulatory efforts for Wyoming’s oil and natural gas industry. Lily is a native of Kaycee, WY, where her family has operated an oil field for over 25 years. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Professional Land Management and Business Management, both from the University of Wyoming, and is a member of the Wyoming Association of Professional Landmen. She enjoys all the outdoor recreation activities our beautiful state has to offer.

Rachel Sanborn

Email: rachel@pawyo.org

Rachel Sanborn joined the Petroleum Association of Wyoming in 2017 as Office Manager and Executive Assistant. Between oil and gas businesses and trade association offices, Rachel has 20 years of office management experience. Rachel enjoys camping and exploring the great outdoors with her husband and dog.