The Independent Petroleum Association of America elected BarryRussell as its new president last week, 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.

In the long term, Russell said the IPAA will address theeconomic risks of increasing oil imports and the disconnect betweenfederal policies that encourage natural gas consumption butdiscourage production. He also identified limits on access tofederal lands and U.S. tax policies as the areas most in need ofchange.

“I am gratified by your confidence in me,” he told the membersof the association after he accepted the office. “And I pledge toyou my complete commitment to bringing our industry back from thedevastating conditions of the past two years,” referring to theenergy price plunges in 1998 and 1999 that put more than 65,000people out of work in the oil industry.

Before being named president, Russell served as IPAA’s executivevice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. Nosuccessor has been named to his old position, Kelly said.

John Norris

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