Scott Kidwell
What happens when an immovable object is met with an irresistible force? Better yet, what happens when that immovable object is also the irresistible force? Well, you get something that is both the shield and the spear. You get Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association.
Often times, the PBPA is a shield for the oil and gas industry of the Permian Basin, attempting to protect our operations and livelihoods from the slings and arrows hurled our way, whether through government legislation and regulation or from outside actors opposed to our industry. At other times, the PBPA is a spear taking the offensive to educate others about the benefits, importance, successes, advances, and goals of oil and gas development in the Permian Basin.
Our region is the most prolific oil and gas producing region in North America, if not the world. It deserves a trade association that is just as prolific, and with Ben Shepperd at the helm, a man who has led our organization for a quarter of its existence, PBPA has been just that if not more. Whether it is acting as the shield or the spear, the PBPA has been able to find tremendous success through the efforts of our consistent, resolute, and innovative leader.
Ben first began working for PBPA in 2006. In his 15 years as the head of our association, he has experienced the reemergence of the Permian Basin as a leader in not just petroleum production, but energy production of all kinds. He has also led fights and victories at the local, state, and national levels that have supported our industry’s efforts to provide energy security to our nation and a better quality of life for millions of people around the world.
Unfortunately, during Ben’s tenure, the spotlight on the Permian Basin from our foes has only intensified. At times, it can seem we are fighting an incalculable number of opponents dedicated to preventing our operations, and for every victory, there is just another battle to be waged. However, what Ben has helped PBPA accomplish is much more than individual victories. He has helped grow PBPA into an incredibly formidable and respected advocate in Austin, Santa Fe, and Washington, D.C., being both the shield and the spear we need. But his work is far from done, and I know he isn’t ready to rest on his laurels just yet.
Next time you see him, thank Ben for all the work he has done for the members of the PBPA over the last 15 years, and wish him the best of luck on the work to come. Better yet, he doesn’t just need your wishes of luck, he needs your support. Get yourself better engaged with the PBPA. Volunteer to serve on a committee or increase your financial support of the association. The benefits of both actions will be well worth the effort for the people of the Permian Basin now and for years to come. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” —Pericles