Lochlin Partners Fills Senior Strategy and Communications Post for Western States Petroleum Association
March 19, 2025 – Lochlin Partners recently helped to place Denise Davis as vice president of strategy and communications of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) in Sacramento, CA. She succeeds Kevin Slagle, who now serves as senior vice president at the American Petroleum Institute (API). “We are thrilled to welcome Denise to WSPA at such a pivotal time for energy policy and innovation,” said Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president and CEO of WSPA. “Her decades of leadership and proven ability to navigate complex challenges will strengthen our efforts to advocate for affordable, reliable energy while advancing practical solutions for a lower-carbon future. Denise is the right leader to amplify the voices of our members and the communities they serve.”
Ms. Davis brings more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications and public affairs to WSPA. She most recently served as executive vice president at CalChamber. Her career also includes service as chief deputy communications director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration and leadership roles within the California Department of Justice, where she worked under three state Attorneys General.
In her new role, Ms. Davis will lead WSPA’s strategic communications efforts, advocating on behalf of companies driving innovation in petroleum exploration, production, refining, transportation, and marketing, as well as leading advancements in renewable fuels and other energy technologies across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
“I’m honored to step into this role and support an industry that powers daily life for millions,” said Ms. Davis. “Our economy depends on oil, gas, and jet fuel, and this industry is also leading innovative solutions to meet ambitious climate goals. As energy challenges grow more complex, I’m committed to ensuring informed policymaking and amplifying voices too often overlooked to deliver solutions that work for everyone.”
Founded in 1907, the Western States Petroleum Association is the nation’s oldest petroleum trade association, representing companies at the forefront of energy innovation. WSPA’s members lead in petroleum exploration, production, refining, and transportation, as well as renewable energy and carbon management technologies. Through a data-driven and inclusive approach, WSPA engages policymakers, the media, and the public to support sound energy policies that empower communities, drive economic growth, and advance a sustainable energy future.
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Lochlin Partners conducts searches for board and executive-level positions within government and corporate affairs, government contracting, technology and services, higher education, the public sector, financial services, and healthcare. The firm is led by managing partners Liza Wright, and Pat Friel. Each of the managing partners has been in the search business for 20 or more years and has been a partner in one of the four large international firms—and in most cases has run a major office or practice at those firms.
Educate Texas Search
After an extensive five-month search, Lochlin Partners also recently recruited Kerri Briggs as the new executive director of Communities Foundation of Texas’ (CFT) Educate Texas. This followed the departure of longtime Educate Texas executive John Fitzpatrick. “Building partnerships as a means of success has been a focus of Kerri’s career and this role will benefit from her strength in strategic organizational and financial leadership, external relationships, and deep understanding of Texas systems,” said Wayne White, president and CEO, Communities Foundation of Texas. “Her experience in collaborating with educators, stakeholders, donors, policymakers, and elected leaders makes her an exceptional candidate for this role. Kerri has the right experience to lead Educate Texas now and into the future in support of students and educators throughout the state.”
“Not only does Kerri have an impressive career, she has been actively involved in education policy as well as local and national boards dedicated to communities and improved social outcomes,” said Matrice Ellis-Kirk, chair, Educate Texas committee. “We believe CFT’s Educate Texas will see significant benefit and growth from Kerri’s expertise. What she’s accomplished thus far in her career is truly inspiring. We are eager for what she will make possible for Texas students and families through her leadership of Educate Texas.”
Ms. Briggs is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in federal and state government, K-12 education, higher education, and corporate social responsibility. Most recently, she served as the chief of staff for Houston ISD, the largest district in Texas and eighth largest in the US. Before joining the HISD team, Ms. Briggs was a partner at Cicero Group, where she led projects across industries in the social impact and K-12 sectors – working alongside partners to measure, evaluate, and implement strategies that realize change.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
