The Board of Directors of the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) today announced that Tracee Bentley will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer effective March 18.

Most recently, Bentley was Executive Director of the Colorado Petroleum Council, a statewide organization focusing on Colorado’s energy priorities, including hydraulic fracturing and energy infrastructure,  as the state seeks to create jobs, generate more state and local government revenue, and produce more domestic energy.

Tracee joins us at a pivotal point in the creation of the PSP, and I could not be more pleased to welcome her to the Permian and to this effort, said Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and PSP Chairman Don Evans. Tracee is a dynamic leader with a great deal of energy experience and a track record of successful coalition building, and I have no doubt that she will bring both the experience and passion to represent our organization and partner with our community leaders.”

“I’m thrilled to join this country’s top energy leaders and work to deliver the noble mission of the Permian Strategic Partnership,” said Tracee Bentley. “The Permian is poised to provide energy the world needs, create tens of thousands of local jobs and generate billions in state and local tax revenues.  But industry recognizes the need to also address significant infrastructure challenges and to preserve the quality of life that makes so many want to live and work here. I can think of no better purpose, and I look forward to the challenging and rewarding work ahead.”

Prior to joining the Colorado Petroleum Council in March 2015, Bentley served in several key positions for Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, including Legislative Director & Senior Advisor on Energy and Agriculture and Deputy Director of the Colorado Energy Office.

Prior to working in the Hickenlooper Administration, she was a founding Principal of a bi-partisan lobbying firm that focused on energy, natural resources, and agriculture interests. Bentley also served as Director of National Affairs for the Colorado Farm Bureau where she spearheaded important issues, including: energy, immigration, farm policy, and international trade.

She received both her bachelors and master’s degrees from Colorado State University, and prior to receiving her bachelor’s degree, Bentley worked in Washington, DC, for U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (CO).

The Permian Strategic Partnership is an unprecedented coalition of 20 companies that came together to work in partnership with local elected officials and community organizations to advance regional transportation projects, improved schools, more affordable housing, quality health care and workforce training.