Pub.1 2019-2020 Issue 2

Incoming Chair Spencer Kimball How did you become part of the petroleum industry? Did you always aspire to be part of this industry? I began my career with an oil and gas trade asso- ciation, similar to UPA, in Denver and quickly fell in love with the industry. Since college, I’ve aspired to work in the world of public policy, and in my opinion there’s nothing more exciting in the policy arena than energy and oil and natural gas. What are your plans as Chair? This is an exciting time for the Association and I’m honored to serve as Chairman in 2020. This year I plan to support UPA President Rikki-Hrenko Brown- ing as she represents our members on many key pursuits, including a bold new communications strategy, several critical agency rulemakings, a leg- islative session that will likely see several high-pro- file bills, and important Uinta Basin-specific issues including air quality and infrastructure. Describe your education background. What did you study? I studied political science and history at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and am about to begin Master’s program focused on global energy management at the University of Colorado Denver Business School. Are there any specific individuals that had a major impact on your career? There are too many to name, but I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with incredible people and mentors at EOG and during my time working at Western Energy Alliance and the House Committee on Natural Resources. What is themost rewarding part of your career? Being part of an industry that tackles extraordi- narily complex problems with smart, innovative solutions. In addition, I’m passionate about the pursuit of public policies that adequately balance responsible production and economic activity with safety and protection of the environment. What do you think will be some of the domi- nant trends within the petroleum industry in the next 5-10 years? I believe the industry will continue to become more efficient, cut costs, and continue to innovate technologically to operate smarter and more safely. EOG is a leader in real-time data capture and anal- ysis, actively integrates information technology into our day-to-day operations, and continues to craft new tools that empower our decision-makers with the latest and best data. What is the biggest impact of being a UPA member? What makes it beneficial? Beyond the typical benefits like networking opportunities and issue advocacy, the organization is blessed with outstanding leadership. UPA is unique among oil and gas trade groups in that it represents upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the industry. Thankfully, the organiza- tion is in great hands with UPA President Rikki Hrenko-Browning, who does an outstanding job balancing the needs and interests of those sectors through strategic thinking, coalition-building, and exceptional management and leadership skills. If you look back at your professional life, what would be three things that you have learned, that you would pass onto a younger member looking at the petroleum industry as a career? Constantly ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb; don’t be afraid to offer ideas that seem unconventional; and learn everything you can about other facets of our industry, even if not directly related to your role. What makes EOG a great place to work? Our culture, which I believe makes us unique to many of our peers. EOG’s motto is “pleased, but not satisfied,” which perfectly describes our corporate culture that allows for challenging conventional ways of thinking and pursuing innovation in everything we do. Describe EOG’s profile in Utah? EOG has been active in the State for many years and is currently Utah’s second largest natural gas producer, according to the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? I spend my free time playing golf, snowboarding, fly-fishing, but mostly trying to keep up with my two sons. Tell us about your family. I am married to my wife, Emily, and have two sons, Hank (4) and Cooper (2). 6 UP DATE