COLUMBUS—Rob Brundrett, President of the Ohio Oil & Gas Association (OOGA), today announced that the OOGA Board of Trustees has elected its leadership officers for 2023.

Amanda Finn, Director of External Affairs at Ascent Resources, was elected the 38th Chairman in the Association’s 75-year history. In doing so, she becomes the youngest individual to serve in this role, as well as the first female and first shale operator.

“OOGA’s greatest strength by far is its longstanding reputation of being the go-to authority on oil and gas issues in Ohio. My goals as Chairman will be to continue this legacy at the state level with agencies, the legislature, and my colleagues, as well as push the industry forward while respecting the past,” said Amanda Finn, Chairman of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association. “This is credited to the great leaders we have had in the President’s position but also in the Chairman’s position. I can only be grateful to be part of such a historic group. I will continue to protect, promote and advance the entirety of the oil and gas industry.” 

Finn previously served as vice chairman and treasurer of OOGA and chaired of the Association’s Government Affairs Committee. In 2019, she earned OOGA’s Oilfield Patriot Award, which recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to protect, promote and advance the common interests of Ohio’s crude oil and natural gas industry.

“Ascent Resources is proud to support Amanda in her Chairman role at OOGA, where critical work is being done to progress increasingly important energy policy at both the state and national levels,” said Jeffrey A. Fisher, CEO of Ascent Resources. “With her background in landowner and community relations, operations, regulation and policy, Amanda has developed a unique skillset that will guide OOGA and the state in important decisions that can bring a positive impact to the citizens of Ohio.  We fully support Amanda and know she will make a positive impact for the Ohio Oil & Gas Association.”

“I look forward to working with the great leadership team we have in place at OOGA,” Brundrett said. “I congratulate Amanda on being elected as chair, and I know she will continue providing fresh perspectives, and collaborating with our broad and diverse membership, to tackle the most important issues facing our industry.”

The Board of Trustees also elected Chris Kimble, an engineer at Red Hill Development, as vice chairman and Christopher Halvorson, CEO of Pin Oak Energy Partners, as treasurer.

Founded in 1947, OOGA is a statewide trade association, today serving 1,300 members, including both small, independent conventional producers and large independent horizontal operators exploring Ohio’s shale play. The membership also consists of midstream companies, large-scale transmission line companies, contractors, oilfield service and supply providers, manufacturers, gas utilities and various other professionals.