Energy in Wyoming

Energy in Wyoming

Our Vision

The Petroleum Association of Wyoming is the voice of the oil and gas industry, including oil and gas production companies, midstream processing, pipeline transportation, oilfield service companies, and affiliated companies offering essential work such as legal services, accounting, consulting and more. Our members produce 90% of Wyoming’s oil and gas; generating over $5 billion in economic activity and employing more than 19,000 of Wyoming’s hard working men and women.

Become a Member

Our Mission

The Petroleum Association of Wyoming represents the diverse people, companies and interests of Wyoming’s oil and gas industry with passion, integrity and professionalism. We provide a forum for education, interaction, and unified action for members, policymakers, and the public.

Promote

Pro-growth policies 

Support

Sustainable production 

Foster

Beneficial relationships 

Uphold

Environmental stewardship

Meet Our Team

Pete Obermueller

pete@pawyo.org

Pete Obermueller is President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, representing the state’s oil and gas industry. A Natrona County High School graduate, he holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota. He previously served as an aide to U.S. Representatives Barbara Cubin and Cynthia Lummis. Pete serves on several boards and enjoys running, backpacking, and time with his family.

Ryan McConnaughey

Ryan@pawyo.org

Ryan McConnaughey has been with the Petroleum Association of Wyoming since 2019 and serves as Vice President & Director of Communications. He brings over 15 years of experience in public affairs, communications, and policy across multiple industries. Previously, he worked at the Pronghorn Agency and served six years for Wyoming’s Member of Congress. A lifelong Wyomingite, Ryan holds degrees from New Mexico State University and the University of Wyoming.

Lily Simon

Lily@pawyo.org

Lily Simon joined the Petroleum Association of Wyoming in 2025 as Director of Regulatory Affairs, leading state and federal regulatory efforts for Wyoming’s oil and natural gas industry. A Kaycee native, her family has operated an oil field for over 25 years. She holds business and land management degrees from the University of Wyoming and enjoys Wyoming’s outdoors.

Rachel Sanborn

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.

Board of Directors – Petroleum Association of Wyoming

Board of Directors

The Petroleum Association of Wyoming is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors representing independent producers, processing and transporting companies, land representatives, and organizations working within and alongside the oil and gas industry. The Board guides staff, establishes Association policy, and provides information on important issues affecting the industry.

PAW Board Officers

Executive leadership of the Association
Chairman
Shelley Shelby
Continental Resources, Inc.
Vice Chairman
Gabriel Sepulveda
Williams Companies
Secretary-Treasurer
Peter Wold
Wold Oil Company

PAW Board of Directors

Members representing Wyoming's oil and gas industry
Joe Milczewski
Occidental Petroleum Corporation
Dan Zilmer
Merit Energy Company
Brett Schuman
Halliburton
Steve Degenfelder
Kirkwood Oil and Gas, LLC
Jenna Mays
ExxonMobil
Gabriel G. Sepulveda
Williams Companies
Tim Muniz
Impact Exploration
Nick Piatek
Hilcorp Energy
Shelley Shelby
Continental Resources, Inc.
Derek Petrie
Anschutz Exploration Corporation
Niko Welch
Vaquero Big Horn
Bryce Ballard
Ballard Petroleum Holdings
Chad McLawhorn
Contango Oil and Gas Company
Andy Fletcher
John Bunning Transfer Company
Ryan Kackley
1876 Resources
Eli Bebout
Nucor Oil and Gas
Chris Fling
Primary Fuels, LLC
Kaylene Gardner
Crowheart Energy
Josh Demorrett
ConocoPhillips
David Bush
Black Hills Energy
Tom Kirkwood
Westco Operating, Inc.
Macey Wallace
Ovintiv
Jasmine Allison
PureWest Energy
Dave True
True Oil, LLC
Kyle True
Diamond Oil, LLC
Hank True
Eighty-Eight Oil, LLC
Peter Wold
Wold Oil Company
Paul Ulrich
Jonah Energy, LLC
Teddy Carter
Devon Energy Corp
Tracy Opp
EOG Resources, Inc.
Tom VanKleef
Oil Mountain Energy

Management Committee

Authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Directors
SS
Shelley Shelby
Continental Resources
KG
Kaylene Gardner
Crowheart Energy
GS
Gabriel G. Sepulveda
Williams Companies
BB
Bryce Ballard
Ballard Petroleum
JM
Joe Milczewski
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
PU
Paul Ulrich
Jonah Energy LLC
PW
Peter Wold
Wold Oil Company
TC
Teddy Carter
Devon Energy

PAW Committees

Standing committees working on behalf of our members on issues important to the oil and gas industry
Government Relations
Oversees Association involvement with the Wyoming Legislature and local, state, and federal government agencies.
  • Chair: TBD
Gov. Relations Tax Subcommittee
Monitors taxation-related issues and makes recommendations to the full Government Relations Committee.
  • Kelley StewartHilcorp
    Chairman
  • Bobby RolstonOccidental Petroleum
    Vice Chair
Public Lands
Handles Association involvement regarding federally owned/managed lands, wildlife and cultural resources.
  • Dave ApplegateOccidental Petroleum Corp
    Co-Chair
  • Rebecca ByramDevon
    Co-Chair
Public Lands Reclamation
Monitors reclamation issues and oversees the Annual PAW Reclamation Conference.
  • Gene LeathWWC Engineering
    Chair
Public Relations & Communications
Oversees website, media, social media, and messaging strategy. By appointment only.
  • Jennifer LeinonenOccidental Petroleum
    Chair
Regulatory Affairs
Covers air/water quality, permitting, safety, and transportation issues at all government levels.
  • Kelly BottPureWest Energy
    Co-Chair
  • Mark SmithEOG Resources
    Co-Chair
Legal Affairs
Jurisdiction over Association involvement in litigation. Limited spots — by appointment only.
  • Coming Soon