8 	
 www.wpma.com / Fall 2026
Association Information        
For those who work in the  
petroleum industry, business  
success is built on more than selling a 
product. It depends on relationships, 
industry knowledge, and the ability 
to understand and respond to an ever-
changing business environment. That is 
why serving on the board of directors 
for an association can be one of the most 
valuable leadership opportunities you 
can undertake. Board service requires a 
commitment of time, energy, and  
expertise. But it also provides rewards 
that extend well beyond the satisfaction 
of giving back. 
A Front-Row Seat to the Industry
Petroleum businesses operate in an environment 
where regulations, transportation, workforce  
challenges, environmental requirements, technology, 
energy markets, and customer expectations are con-
stantly evolving. Serving on an association board gives mem-
bers a closer view of those issues. Directors have the opportunity 
to participate in conversations about issues affecting petroleum 
businesses—not just their own company. They hear different 
perspectives from distributors, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, 
and other industry stakeholders. That broader perspective can 
be extremely valuable. A business owner may discover that a 
challenge affecting their company is actually an industry-wide 
issue. Conversely, they may learn about emerging opportunities 
or solutions from another member before those ideas become 
widespread practice.
Relationships Built  
Through Shared Responsibility
In the petroleum industry, relationships matter. 
Many businesses operate in communities where 
reputation and trust are critical. Customers need to 
know their fuel supplier will be there when they need product. 
Unlike traditional networking, board relationships develop 
through shared work. Directors collaborate on industry initiatives, 
discuss challenges, participate in committees, and make decisions 
together. Over time, those professional relationships can become 
trusted sources of information. The value is not simply knowing 
more people. It is knowing people who understand your business.
WPMA Chief  
Executive Officer 
(CEO)  
Gene Inglesby
CEO’s Message
More Than Giving Back: 	
Your Favorite Hobby: When was the last time  
you participated in the Hobby? 
My favorite hobby is reading, preferably  
books that have absolutely nothing to do with 
work. I especially love thrillers and whodunits. 
When I’m not reading, I enjoy listening to  
political podcasts, top of my list is: Armstrong  
& Getty Show.
Your Favorite Music/Group: 
Fleetwood Mac and Snoop Dogg!  
Yes, they are two very different genres.  
No, I can’t explain it, I just love them both!
The Perfect Night Out: 
My perfect night out is a fabulous dinner  
followed by a live standup comedy show. I 
love to laugh, and a few of my favorite  
comedians are John Mulaney, Daniel Tosh, 
Shane Gillis and Nate Bargatze. 
Your Travel Wish: 
I love traveling and seeing new places, cultures 
and people. My greatest wish is to explore the 
world with my kiddos and see it all through their 
eyes. We are about to take them on their first  
international trip to Spain. Next stops on my 
wish list: UK, Italy, Costa Rica & Australia
Your Scariest Adventure:
Visiting the DMZ. I didn’t realize it was my 
scariest adventure at the time, but in 2004, while 
studying abroad, a few girlfriends I decided to 
check out the North/South Korean border. We 
were 21, without a tour guide and had no idea 
what we were doing. Somehow, we wandered 
beyond where we were supposed to be and got 
too close to the border, raising a few alarms in 
the process. Oops! 
Give us your view on the future of  
Petroleum/Energy/Fuels:
My view on the future of petroleum can be 
summed up in one word: Essential. The fuel mix 
will continue to change as technology, regula-
tions and consumer demands evolve, but reliable 
and affordable liquid fuels will remain essen-
tial to our economy. Our industry has always 
adapted, and I am confident we will continue to 
do so. Companies that remain flexible, engaged 
and willing to evolve will be well positioned  
for the future.
S
President’s Spotlight continued

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.