Ben Shepperd has served as President of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA) since 2006. In this role, he leads one of the nation's largest regional oil and gas trade associations, representing the interests of the Permian Basin before legislative and regulatory bodies in Texas, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C. With more than three decades of experience in public policy and government affairs, he is recognized for his leadership on energy, environmental, regulatory, and economic issues affecting the oil and natural gas industry.

Prior to joining PBPA, Mr. Shepperd built an extensive career in Texas state government. His legislative experience includes serving on the staffs of Texas Representatives David Swinford, Harvey Hilderbran, and Buddy West. He served as Committee Counsel for the Texas House Energy Resources Committee under Chairman West and later as Chairman Hilderbran's Water Policy Advisor during the 79th Texas Legislature, where he focused on issues before the House Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. Shepperd also held leadership positions with several Texas state agencies, including the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Texas Department of Economic Development as Director of Rural Affairs, and the Railroad Commission of Texas, where he served as Legislative and Policy Director for Commissioner Charles Matthews.

Jamie Ramirez is the Office Manager and Events Coordinator for the PBPA. Jamie joined the oil and gas workforce back in 2010 and has worked for the industry ever since. She was born and raised here in Midland and has enjoyed raising her son and daughter here as well. Jamie enjoys working for an organization that works hard and supports her hometown and the oil and gas industry.

Michael D. Lozano joined the Permian Basin Petroleum Association in 2018 to aid in regulatory and government affairs efforts and communications strategy. A graduate of The University of Texas, Michael served as Chief of Staff to former Representative Tryon Lewis (R-Odessa) and current Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa). As a South Texas native, he has lived in and traveled often to the Permian Basin over the last several years.

Michael's experience in the Texas House of Representatives includes working for two chairmen, and over the years he has covered 14 different standing and select committees. This range of legislative experience has provided him with an understanding of the many diverse issues that come before the Texas Legislature. In his time representing the Permian Basin in Austin, he has developed important local and statewide relationships that have helped the Association and its member companies in their efforts to effectively advocate for the safe and responsible development of oil and gas resources.

A student of both the political and general history of the state, he credits being the youngest of three children, with two older sisters, as his introduction to politics and diplomacy. Michael has also advised several political campaigns, including a few successful ones. He enjoys not taking himself too seriously but holds a great deal of respect for the institutions and the people that have made Texas an envy of the world.

Christine Dooley joined the PBPA in 2023 as their Membership Coordinator.

She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M University and returned to her hometown of Midland to join the workforce. Christine began her career at the Midland Chamber of Commerce, where she developed a passion for supporting local businesses and the oil & gas industry.

Outside of work, Christine attends Redeemer Church, serves on the board of Fix West Texas, an organization providing affordable preventative care and adoption services for pets, and spends time with her husband and son.