Hello, UPA members! It’s an honor to serve as the 2025 chair of such a respected and impactful association. After years of partnership with Rikki and the UPA team to help deliver results for the industry in our state, I’m so proud to step into this leadership role.
No doubt about it, we’re entering a dynamic time for oil and natural gas. Many compounding factors make it feel like the call for “more” — more modern energy, including what we produce — has never been louder.
UPA’s sustained engagement with policymakers and community leaders across the state has driven a strong appreciation for what we do and how we contribute to Utah’s success. Growing energy needs, coupled with aspirations to lead the U.S. in energy innovation and abundance, means Utah is gearing up to ascend the summit toward its energy future. UPA is well positioned to partner in these goals, but we need to be clear-eyed about the journey ahead of us.
Since the industry can’t take this current moment for granted, I’ll be working toward some objectives over the next few months. My priorities include helping promote what you do best, including the strong safety and environmental performance of our members and the many ways you make a difference in the communities where you operate.
UPA also knows the importance of connections and has plans to host activities throughout the state — including several new offerings for members — that provide a chance to foster relationships with stakeholders and across the industry. I’m looking forward to participating in many of these events and seeing you there.
And because I believe in the power of feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact me at kristina.brown@chevron.com. I welcome open communication that helps UPA make smart, informed decisions to better support all of you. Your time and resources enable the success of our industry, and we know we couldn’t do this without a strong membership.
More About Kristina
Kristina Brown is the corporate affairs manager at Chevron’s Refinery in North Salt Lake, Utah. In this role, she manages policy, public affairs and community engagement as a member of the refinery’s leadership team. She also serves as an advisory board member for several community organizations, including Davis Technical College, the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air at Utah State University and as chair-elect for the Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR).
Before joining Chevron in 2016, Kristina worked on natural resource and workforce development issues across various roles in the California legislative arena, including as a senior advisor for the California Senate Republican Leader. Kristina earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in International Agriculture Development from the University of California, Davis. She lives in Millcreek, Utah, and spends most of her free time outside, hiking local canyons with her dogs.
