Jaclyn Goodell

Jaclyn Goodell joined ConocoPhillips’ Public Policy team in July 2010, just three months after Deepwater Horizon exploded in the Gulf of Mexico.

The subsequent oil spill transformed the industry and her career.

“This experience thrust me into high-impact international projects, acting as one of COP’s representatives for developing the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers’ good practice guidelines for the development of shale oil and gas,” she said.

Working to shape the industry’s evolving regulatory and operational landscape, Goodell collaborated with international teams, establishing relationships across disciplines and gaining insights into the interconnected nature of policy, operations and corporate strategy.

“This early experience taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of making an immediate, meaningful impact,” she said. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic enveloped the world, thrusting the industry into unprecedented economic volatility, Goodell was part of the team helping guide ConocoPhillips through the crisis. At the time, she was a senior energy analyst in the company’s chief economist office and led the creation of a high-frequency indicator report that tracked the oil market’s recovery, providing critical insights to executive leadership and the board.

Growing up in New York, Goodell had limited exposure to the energy industry. When she entered the field, she was struck by the interconnectedness of global energy markets and how geopolitical events, weather patterns or shifts in consumer demand can have cascading effects, from price volatility to supply chain challenges.

“This realization deeply impacted how I approach my work, reinforcing the importance of thinking strategically and globally, not only when analyzing market trends but also when assessing risks and opportunities,” she said.

Her perspective proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic when rapid shifts in demand and supply underscored the importance of adapting quickly to market disruptions, whether through operational changes or value-focused market consolidation. It also influenced her collaborative approach, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered to make informed, forward-looking decisions.

“This period honed my ability to analyze complex, rapidly changing situations and communicate actionable recommendations, demonstrating resilience and strategic thinking under pressure,” she said. “Together, these events underscored the importance of agility, collaboration and clear communication in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the energy industry. They not only shaped my professional expertise but also reinforced my passion for contributing to meaningful strategic solutions in a dynamic field.”

It also influences her leadership approach in her current role as ConocoPhillips’ director of A&D. Goodell has been instrumental in completing over $30 billion in transactions, including the landmark $22.5 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil and the $9.5 billion purchase of Shell’s Permian assets.

“I frequently lead cross-functional, diverse teams across time zones,” Goodell said. “To motivate my team, I prioritize creating an environment that fosters collaboration and transparency. I ensure that goals, expectations and timelines are clearly communicated at the outset of any transaction or strategic initiative.

“By involving team members in the planning process and maintaining open lines of communication, I help everyone feel aligned, valued and invested in achieving shared objectives. This approach not only drives engagement but also ensures we work cohesively toward success, even across geographical and functional boundaries.”

She encourages young professionals to seek mentors early in their career and pursue relationships across teams, disciplines and organizations.

“I’ve been amazed at how often my path has intersected with the same people, even as I’ve transitioned into very different roles within ConocoPhillips,” Goodell said. “These relationships have been invaluable in navigating challenges, gaining insights and fostering collaboration.”

Check out the rest of Hart Energy's 2025 Women in Energy here.