API adds heft to bipartisan advocacy team with new hires in external mobilization, communications

WASHINGTON, January 30, 2019 – The American Petroleum Institute’s President and CEO Mike Sommers today announced key additions to API’s bipartisan advocacy team to expand its reach in Washington and across the country:

• Steve Sisneros, Vice President of External Mobilization, will enhance API’s national network of industry advocates who help advance pro energy policies and promote the critical role energy plays in our daily lives. Steve has deep experience in grassroots development and aspects of winning campaigns. Sisneros most recently served as Director of Campaigns and Voter Contact for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

• Scott Parker, Manager of Rapid Response, will boost API’s efforts to quickly disseminate information to policymakers and influencers on the importance of America’s energy revolution at a time of record consumer demand and emissions reductions. Parker joins API from the Republican National Committee, where he served as Deputy Research Director and Assistant Deputy Communications Director.

“These impressive new talents will bolster API’s integrated bipartisan advocacy team, and we’re lucky to have them,” said API President and CEO Mike Sommers. “Energy touches nearly every aspect of our modern lives, and the natural gas and oil industry is committed to delivering affordable and reliable energy to power opportunity for families and businesses across America and around the world.”

“I’m thrilled to join API’s exceptional team at such an exciting time for American energy,” said Sisneros. “More natural gas and oil is produced in the United States than any other country in the world and at the same time, U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are at their lowest levels in a generation. I’m looking forward to telling that story in communities from coast to coast.”

In addition to these new hires, API announced that Bill Koetzle is promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs and will oversee the organization’s External Mobilization, Federal Affairs and State Government Affairs departments. Koetzle’s new role will enhance industry efforts to promote pro energy policies on the national, state and local levels. Bill came to API in September as Vice President of Federal Affairs.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.