Kentucky Oil and Gas Association announces new officers
Board of Directors are also announced at annual conference

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 25, 2018) – The Kentucky Oil and Gas Association (KOGA) elected its new executive committee at the 82^nd Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky.  Members of the 2018-2020 Executive Committee include:

•  President – Mark Hughes - Hughes Land, LLC
• President-elect – Maverick Bentley - EQT Corporation
• Immediate Past President – Maurice Royster - EQT Corporation
• Treasurer – John Henderson – Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC

KOGA’s membership also voted in the “Class of 2021” Board of Directors. The following classes represent KOGA’s complete Board of Directors:

KOGA Board of Directors:

Class of 2019

Wes Cate – Eco-Energy, LLC; Stacee Dover – CountryMark Refining and Logistics, LLC; Nan Hamilton – Stand Energy Corporation; Doug Hyden – Clean Gas Processing, LLC; Bryan Reynolds – Sullivan, Mountjoy, Stainback & Miller; Maurice Royster – EQT Corporation; Mark Sanders, EnerBlu; Rudy Vogt– Cumberland Valley Resources, LLC; Jed Weinberg – Core Appalachia Operating;

Class of 2020

Jason Bentley – MMLK Government Solutions; Mike Gibbons – CountryMark Energy Resources; Karen Greenwell – Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP; Jerry Howard – Boss Cementing; Mark Hughes – Hughes Land, LLC; Mark Pierce – Nytis Exploration Company, LLC; Bobby Short – United American Energy; Mike Wallen – WMD, LLC; J. Kevin West – Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC

Class of 2021

Bill Barr – BlackRidge Resource Partners, LLC; Maverick Bentley – EQT Production Company;  Will Graham – Core Appalachia Operating; Jessica Greathouse – Core Appalachia Operating; John Henderson – Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC; Zachary Hughes – Hughes Land, LLC; Virginia (GiGi) Lazenby – Bretagne, LLC; George Mason, George Mason Law Firm, PSC; Matt Sheppard, Chesapeake Energy

Past President’s Council Representative

Bill Daugherty – BlackRidge Resource Partners, LLC

Ex Officio

Harry Callicotte – Harry D. Callicotte, PLLC

The Kentucky Oil and Gas Association was formed in 1931 to represent the interests of Kentucky's crude oil and natural gas industry.  KOGA is dedicated to the responsible production and conservation of Kentucky's natural resources, while ensuring that its members are provided fair regulations and are educated on oil and gas issues, including the protection of individual property rights, health, safety and the environment.

Be sure to check us out at http://www.kyoilgas.org, Twitter @kyoilgas and Facebook @KOGA1931.

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The Kentucky Oil and Gas Association names Emily Childers as association manager
Childers brings years of event management experience to the association  

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2017)— The Kentucky Oil and Gas Association (KOGA) announced today that  Emily Childers, of Versailles, will serve as association manager. Childers joins KOGA after spending nearly 9 years in various event management roles. 

"Emily's background in event management and communications will be a tremendous asset for the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association," said Ryan Watts, KOGA executive director. "With her experience, Emily will be instrumental to help grow membership and advance the goals and mission of the association."  

Emily began her career at the Lexington Center Corporation as an event manager and recently, as the convention services manager and catering sales manager for the Hilton Lexington Downtown. In these capacities, she has managed events of all sizes including tradeshows, galas, meetings, conventions and social events. 

"I am looking forward to this new chapter where I can blend my event management experience with managing the specific needs of KOGA and its members". 

Originally from Oxford, Ohio, Emily is a graduate from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in communications. She lives in Versailles with her husband, Michael.  

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug.30, 2017)—The Kentucky Oil and Gas Association (KOGA) announced today that Ryan Watts, of Frankfort, will serve as executive director. Watts joins the association after spending nearly 14 years in Kentucky state government where he worked in various communication roles.  

“For nearly a century, Kentucky’s oil and gas industry has left an indelible mark on the state’s economy by providing low fuel costs, shaping a highly-skilled workforce and generating tens of millions of dollars in landowner royalties and severance revenue for local communities,” said Ryan Watts, KOGA’s executive director. “I look forward to preserving the industry’s storied history by expanding KOGA’s public outreach through effective communications and advocacy efforts.” 

Watts began his career as the press secretary for Lt. Governor Steve Pence. Recently, Watts served as executive director of the Office of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).  In that capacity, Watts directed all communications and served as chief spokesman for the 4,400 employee agency, which is responsible for maintaining and preserving a vast infrastructure network across Kentucky. 

“Ryan’s extensive career in government and communications will be an asset to the industry,” said Maurice Royster, president of the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association. “As we continue the dialogue on energy issues in Kentucky, KOGA is excited to welcome Ryan to his new role.”

During his career in state government, Watts collaborated with officials involved with various initiatives and projects including the Louisville Arena Authority, the Louisville Ohio River Bridges Project, goky.ky.gov, Pause-50 and most recently, the Strategic Highway Investment Formula for Tomorrow (SHIFT). While at KYTC, Watts also initiated the snowky.ky.gov campaign to consolidate travel and roadway condition information for motorists during winter weather events.  

Watts, originally from Bardstown, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with degrees in political science and mathematics. He lives in Frankfort with his wife, Ashli, and two children. 

The Kentucky Oil and Gas Association was formed in 1931 to represent the interests of Kentucky's crude oil and natural gas industry.  KOGA is dedicated to the responsible production and conservation of Kentucky's natural resources, while ensuring that its members are provided fair regulations and are educated on oil and gas issues, including the protection of individual property rights, health, safety and the environment. 

Be sure to check us out at http://www.kyoilgas.org, Twitter @kyoilgas and Facebook @KOGA1931. 

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