The Independent Petroleum Association of America elected BarryRussell as its new president yesterday, replacing Gil Thurm. Thechange was immediately effective.

Thurm had been president of the organization since 1997.Although there was no official reason for his resignation, JerryJordan, Chairman of the IPAA, wished him well as Thurm “undertakesnew challenges.” The association said that during his tenure, Thurmhelped IPAA members by being a strong advocate for sensible federaltax policies to help preserve domestic oil and natural gasproduction. His advocacy included efforts to ensure that oilmarkets receive enough timely and reliable data to functionproperly and respond to changes in world energy supply and demand.

Russell assumes the presidency after a 20-year involvement withthe IPAA. Pat Kelly, an IPAA spokesman, said he did not think anychanges to the president’s role, which includes overseeing theWashington D.C. staff, representing the IPAA in trade associationmeetings and other activities, would be altered as a result of thechange. The presidency is a permanent position unlike the role ofchairman, which has a two-year term limit.

Before being named president, Russell served as IPAA’s executivevice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. Russellhas managed IPAA’s environmental issues before Congress and theadministration and served as a founding member of the EnvironmentalIssues Council, an organization of trade associations based inWashington. Since 1988, Russell has served as IPAA’s chief legaland financial officer. No successor to Russell has been named tohis old position, Kelly said.

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