Steve Wackowski new president and CEO of AOGA, effective Oct. 31

Kay Cashman

Petroleum News

Effective Oct. 31, Steve Wackowski is the new president and chief executive officer of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, or AOGA, a position most recently held by Kara Moriarty who left in May to work on Alaska issues in the U.S. Department of the Interior.

AOGA's Board of Directors announced the appointment of Wackowski as the organization's new top executive.

"We are excited to welcome Steve as AOGA's new President and CEO. His experience and vision will help ensure AOGA remains the leading voice of responsible development in Alaska's energy sector," said Erec Isaacson, President of ConocoPhillips Alaska and Chair of the AOGA Board of Directors.

Wackowski, a lifelong Alaskan with more than two decades of leadership experience in public service, communications, and energy policy, most recently led communications for Santos' Alaska Business Unit.

Wackowski currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Alaska National Guard, where he commands the 176th Communications Squadron.

His career also includes leadership positions with the Department of the Interior, where he served as Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs, and with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, where he was State Director and previously managed her 2016 re-election campaign. Earlier in his career, he served as press secretary to the late Senator Ted Stevens.

In accepting the role, Wackowski thanked the board and hiring committee for their trust and confidence:

"I'm honored to lead AOGA and represent an industry that has been the foundation of Alaska's economy and communities for generations," said Wackowski. "As a lifelong Alaskan, I've seen firsthand how oil and gas development supports families, builds opportunity, and sustains the very fabric of our state. I'm deeply grateful to the board and hiring committee for this opportunity, and to the entire AOGA team for their dedication over the past six months. Their commitment has kept the organization strong and focused during the leadership transition."

Wackowski and the board also recognized Sierra Minder for her leadership in guiding AOGA through the transition period, as well as Robert Ervine and Nicole Reilly for their outstanding work in continuing the association's mission during the search process.

AOGA is a professional trade association whose mission is to foster the long-term viability of the oil and gas industry in Alaska for the benefit of all Alaskans.

-Kay Cashman