Amanda Finn
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At the heart of Amanda Finn’s career is her ever expanding network of personal and professional relationships. If you are in politics or energy in Ohio, you have heard of or worked with Amanda Finn. That all begin when she started working on a campaign as a finance director for a Congressional candidate in Ohio. She was able to parlay those successful efforts and relationships into the role she is in today. In 2023, Finn was not only the first woman to be elected chairman of the 76-year-old Ohio Oil & Gas Association, but also the youngest and the first employed by a shale operator. “I was able to work my way from a member, to a board member, to an executive member, to an officer in a matter of six years,” she says. “Getting to know the membership, engaging the key players and understanding their needs and wants for the industry, and proving myself as a knowledgeable ally all contributed to this success.”
How have you exercised leadership to help shape your department and company?
My department was non-existent when I arrived at Ascent Resources. When I started, it was a team of one to manage landowner relations, Ohio media calls, government affairs, site security and other various tasks for a few years prior to being able to shape and cultivate my team. Through the years I have been supported by upper management to create an external affairs team that is small but mighty. Getting the right people, in the right positions, integrating them into operations, and mentoring them through times of uncertainty has been the key to success with our external affairs department.
What keeps you motivated and passionate about working in the oil and gas industry?
The continuous change in this industry is invigorating. There is not one day that is the same, not one issue that mimics the last and not one operational or external affairs initiative that can’t be enhanced or progressed upon. I enjoy the fast-paced environment and the constant adaptation that is required to survive in this industry. The ability to be part of a company that continues to provide affordable, reliable and cleaner-burning energy for this country and the world is an exciting endeavor.
Describe a memorable professional experience—something that may not be typical for industry members or that is especially meaningful for you.
Every year, Ascent Resources participates in the Marines Corps Toys for Tots program. We rally our vendors and provide internal funds to purchase toys valued at over $50,000. Our staff volunteers to walk families through our “toy store” and as they do they get to hear heartfelt stories of families who did not think Santa would be coming that year. Nothing else brings heartfelt joy like this opportunity to light up hundreds of faces on Christmas morning. I engage in several annual community giving initiatives and volunteering throughout the year in my role, but this is a unique and special experience not easily matched. The amount of smiles you can provide in such a short amount of time makes all the hard work worth it!
What professional and/or personal advice would you give other young professionals in the industry?
I think the most valuable advice I can give to a young professional in this industry is to network.
Network early and often! Be authentic and surround yourself with those who are leaders in the industry—pick their brains, ask questions and soak in as much information as you can. Learn from the past but anticipate and embrace the future.
Take a look at the rest of the Forty Under 40 2024 winners.
