Veterans Day Profile: Juan Torres, Selfless Leadership and Service

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Ergon is proud to have United States military Veterans as part of our family of employees who are committed to meeting needs for our customers and in communities we serve. On this Veterans Day, we celebrate all who served and also highlight a Veteran who exemplifies our core value of Selfless Leadership in his local community.

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Selfless Leadership is not just a value of Ergon alone, but a shared value among military personnel who willingly give of themselves for the common good.

Juan Torres is Lead Operator for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions’ Manor, Texas, facility. He has volunteered for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation since he joined the United States Marine Corps in 2011. While he left active duty in 2018, Torres continues to support the Foundation by volunteering or setting up donation drives for the Toys for Tots Program every year during Christmastime.

Servant Hearts
Torres joins many members of the Ergon family who lend their time and resources on behalf of the Toys for Tots Program. Each year, employees at our corporate headquarters in Flowood, Mississippi, provide toys and monetary donations to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s goal of ensuring children of disadvantaged families are able to receive gifts and experience the joy of Christmas. Over the past five years, Ergon has raised $63,000 toward this effort.

About the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Established in 1991, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to provide toys and send a message of hope to less fortunate children at Christmas. Through their program, the Foundation distributes approximately 18 million toys to 7 million children annually.

The Foundation welcomes support from various organizations to help provide toys and other resources for the children. To learn how you can help, visit https://www.toysfortots.org.

 

A Culture of Respect, Diversity and Acceptance

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Watch the video below and learn how our commitment to the value of Respectful Relationships helps ensure Ergon is a place where you can feel welcomed to contribute, collaborate and succeed as part of a team dedicated to meeting needs, supporting families and serving customers around the world.

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Ergon is committed to fostering a culture of respect. We welcome ideas and opinions, regardless of role, empowering our family of employees to contribute meaningful work that impacts the industries and communities we serve.

“I think that it’s incredibly important to respect everybody’s different opinions, and that’s something that I’ve learned at Ergon, that has carried over into my daily life,” said Samantha Patterson, Division Order Analyst for Ergon Oil Purchasing Inc.

We are One Ergon: United by Service. Driven By Solutions. That means we value input from each other, understanding that from the CEO to the intern, the sum of all of our efforts is far greater than our individual endeavors. We are united in a shared purpose to provide innovative solutions our customers need and the support they need to succeed.

At the heart of this unity is Respectful Relationships among team members, who are treated as family. And like family, each employee is valued and encouraged to add value to the Ergon organization. “What brings me back to work every day is, hands down, the family culture,” said Samantha. “The moment you start working for Ergon, you just feel accepted. You feel like a part of the family, whether you’ve been there five minutes, whether you’ve been there 10 years.”

Respectful Relationships are not limited to employees. Ergon seeks to build strong relationships with customers as well. We know that part of providing solutions for our customers is listening to first understand what they need now and then listening to determine how we can anticipate and meet future needs. Meeting these needs takes an “all-hands-on-deck” approach, and we believe the greatest ideas come from intentional collaboration and open communication.

“It really is encouraging to be able to sit down and dialogue with a group of people who are very talented, very smart and also are very helpful to each other’s efforts and goals,” said Ken Cooley, President of Resinall Corp.

Work Where You Belong
Want to work for a place that respects and supports the diversity of ideas and of people? Visit ergon.com/careers to learn how you can become part of the Ergon family.

Ergon Logistics Built to Handle Low Water Events

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Michael Carpenter is Senior Port Captain for Magnolia Marine Transport Company (MMT), in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Part of the Ergon family of companies, MMT operates one of the largest inland waterways petroleum transportation fleets in the United States. With 24 towboats and more than 88 barges, they transport asphalt, crude oil, process oils, fuel oil and additional products on the Mississippi River and intracoastal waterways of the Gulf of Mexico.

Due to the low water levels from recent dry weather and drought conditions, the Mississippi River is low enough to create transportation issues for cargo ships and barges, with many companies across the marine industry having to significantly slow down or even stop deliveries.

Carpenter spoke with Mississippi Public Broadcasting about the ways MMT is adapting to these extremely low river levels — https://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/dry-conditions-causing-low-water-levels-on-mississippi-river/. MMT’s operations plans ensure that security of supply is protected in situations like these where loads need to be lightened to reduce draft and traffic is slower due to low water or congestion along certain segments of the route.

Ergon is a global organization delivering products and services essential to manufacturing and infrastructure needs to customers in more than 90 countries around the world. The diversified logistics provided by a variety of businesses, including MMT, mean that when one area faces hardships, others are ready to step up to get the job done. In this case, when waterways are impacted, Ergon’s trucks and railcars can assist with transportation of products.

That same ability to adapt is one of MMT’s strengths. According to Carpenter, “Challenges are nothing new for MMT. We take them as they come. Whether it’s near record-high water levels, hiring employees for our growing fleet of boats and barges, or our present low water situation, adapting to an ever-changing environment is one of our major strengths.”

Tim Brown Joins Ergon R&M as Senior VP of Strategy

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Tim Brown will join Ergon Refining & Marketing as Senior Vice President of Strategy on October 17, 2022.

“Tim’s 30 years of experience in the refining and specialty business, much of that time in leadership roles, make him an excellent fit for this important position,” commented Lance Puckett, President of Ergon Refining and Ergon – West Virginia.

Brown’s previous roles include Chief Executive Officer of a privately held refining group; Chief Development Officer for an environmental and biotechnology developer and system integrator; Chief Development Officer of a company utilizing a next-generation cleantech solution to convert organic waste into clean energy, clean water, heat, fertilizer, and value-add hydrocarbon products; and most recently as Managing Director for a global manufacturer of specialty products headquartered in Hamburg, Germany.

After receiving his Bachelor of General Studies (Cum Laude) from the University of Connecticut, Tim received his Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

“We are extremely excited about the contributions Tim will make to R&M and to all of Ergon in the coming years,” Puckett added.

Kris Patrick Named President and CEO of Ergon

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The Board of Directors of Ergon Inc. has announced that Kris Patrick has been named President & Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2022. Emmitte J. Haddox, who has served as President & CEO since 2016, has retired and will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Patrick has 22 years of experience with the Mississippi-based company that services industries essential to manufacturing and infrastructure needs around the world. His roles with Ergon have included Process Engineer; Senior Vice President of Refining, Planning and Supply; President of Ergon’s refineries; and member of the Operations and Executive Management teams. He has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018.

Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration with a specialty in Project Management from Mississippi State University and completed the Leading Global Business program at Harvard Business School.

“Kris’ experience with all facets of Ergon, coupled with his strong management and leadership skills, make him the perfect candidate for this role,” commented Tom Amonett, Ergon Chairman of the Board. “He has taken advantage of every opportunity to prepare for this position, strengthening the organization along the way and making real strides in Ergon’s strategic planning, safety systems and processes. The Lampton family and the Board have no doubt that Kris’ desire to honor Ergon’s history while focusing on innovation and expanding opportunities will take this global organization to even greater heights.”

“I am grateful for the investment Ergon has made in me,” commented Patrick, whose first experience with the company came as an Engineering Co-Op while he was a college student. “I hope to make that sort of investment in the Ergon family as we continue our mission of meeting needs, supporting families and serving customers.”

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under six primary business segments: Refining & Marketing, Specialty Chemicals, Asphalt & Emulsions, Oil & Gas, Midstream & Logistics, and Construction & Real Estate.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Director of Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com

Engineers at Ergon: Innovating Solutions for Customers Around the World<

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Changing the way we live through technology and service to people is at the heart of engineering and explains why engineers can be found throughout the Ergon organization. Across our business segments, Ergon is innovating solutions for people around the world, and roles are available for more engineers to help in this quest.

There’s Real Opportunity with Ergon
Ergon started seven decades ago with two employees. Today, four business segments comprising more than 60 companies are powered by over 3,500 employees around the world. Family owned and operated, the value Ergon places on its employees and on the communities where it operates is evident in the company mission of meeting needs, supporting families and serving customers. And Ergon has made a commitment to growing the pool of engineers in its home state.

Smoothing the Education-to-Workforce Pathway
A global community dependent on engineering is seeing students leave engineering for other career paths. Daunted by the rigors of engineering coursework, many students leave engineering majors prior to graduation. To combat this trend, Ergon has partnered with the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University (MSU) as a sponsor of Summer Bridge, a residential experience designed to help underrepresented students bridge the transition from high school to college.

For five weeks, Summer Bridge aims to grow the pool of engineering graduates by providing newly admitted students with an integrated opportunity to develop academic and life skills critical to achieving success. A team-based engineering design project and site visits to Ergon facilities help students discover potential future engineering career paths. Peer mentoring, soft skills training and social activities are also part of the program that is fully funded by Ergon.

Engineers at Ergon
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, engineers are needed now more than ever. But it’s not their expertise alone that is needed to tackle the world’s greatest challenges. “We need their curiosity, too,” says Blaine Totty, Program Director for Ergon’s Operational Excellence Department. “Ergon is a relationship-driven company that looks to the characteristics engineers typically have in addition to their expertise in a certain field. This allows them to move into a variety of areas,” said Blaine who holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from MSU. “Many engineers have a natural curiosity to learn new things, which is a real benefit when you come into an organization like Ergon. Combine that urge to know with the breadth of opportunities Ergon’s wide variety of businesses have to offer, and there’s no telling where your career path may take you,” he added.

And Blaine is not alone.

Where Skill Meets Opportunity
Chief Administrative Officer, Paul Young, earned his Chemical Engineering degree from MSU and his Environmental Engineering degree from the University of Mississippi and has served in a variety of roles during his 37 years with Ergon. He is responsible for oversight of corporate functions ranging from product stewardship to risk management.

Ergon’s Vice President of Product Stewardship, Bonnie Chapman, received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from MSU. Bonnie joined the company in 2011 as Ergon’s Refining Business Coordinator and was appointed to Director of Refinery Planning and Economics shortly thereafter. Bonnie now leads the team responsible for ensuring products are produced, utilized and managed at the end of life in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Incredibly active within Ergon, Bonnie leads the subcommittee responsible for Ergon’s sustainability initiatives, and serves as liaison to the MSU Engineering Summer Bridge Program.

Ergon’s President & Chief Executive Officer, Kris Patrick, started his career as the company’s first Chemical Engineering Co-Op. His roles have included Process Engineer; Senior VP of Refining, Planning and Supply; President of Ergon Refining and Ergon – West Virginia, and then Chief Operating Officer before being named President & CEO on October 1, 2022. Kris’ B.S. in Chemical Engineering was earned from MSU.

If you are interested in joining the Ergon family, we would love to hear from you. We are actively looking for project engineers, process engineers and maintenance engineers, just to name a few! For a list of current job openings, visit ergoncareers.com.

Article updated on February 19, 2024, to reflect new job titles and structural changes within Ergon.

Summer Bridge: Creating Opportunities for Engineering Students

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Career opportunities for engineers abound, yet for certain underrepresented groups, these opportunities can feel beyond reach. For businesses, finding qualified engineers to fill positions while developing a diverse workforce can often be a challenge. Ergon is proud to sponsor the Summer Bridge Program at the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University (MSU), along with the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LSMAMP) and the National Science Foundation — bridging the gap for underrepresented groups one summer experience at a time.

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Creating Bridges
As the name suggests, MSU’s Summer Bridge Program is designed to bridge the transition from high school to college. This period is often challenging for students who struggle with adapting to increased workloads and higher academic standards. Ergon covers the cost of the five-week residential program which offers students the opportunity to adjust to university life and includes coursework in mathematics, science and computer programming. Peer mentoring, soft skills training and social activities are also part of the program.

Many higher education researchers attribute the lack of workforce diversity within science and engineering disciplines to underrepresented student groups switching majors and/or dropping out of these programs. For five weeks, Summer Bridge aims to grow the pool of underrepresented engineering graduates by providing newly admitted students with an integrated opportunity to develop academic and life skills critical to achieving success.

The Summer Bridge Experience
Summer Bridge 2022 welcomed 18 future engineers (10 young women and eight young men) to the program. As part of the full immersion experience, participants received on-campus housing, access to class instructors, peer mentors, textbooks and materials, and meal stipends.

The program is led by Dr. Jean Mohammadi-Aragh, Director of Diversity Programs & Student Development for the Bagley College of Engineering, as well as Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Associate Professor in MSU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The experience started off with students hitting the ground running. Students visited Ergon’s Paragon Technical Services lab, Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, and Ergon Refining, which provided an initial real-world glimpse into the Ergon family of companies.

In addition to required coursework, students assembled into teams to complete an engineering research project aimed at providing students the opportunity to learn engineering design while working to solve a real-world engineering challenge. Ergon employees from Corporate Engineering and Business Process Management departments, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions (EAE), Ergon Refining and Ergon Terminaling tasked students with designing a new asphalt and emulsion tank for an EAE facility. Each team determined the best material for improving Mississippi’s road networks based on research and asphalt tests conducted in the Civil Engineering labs at MSU. With the asphalt selected and the design completed, the students learned computer modeling skills through the 3D printing of their storage tanks. The engineering research project was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Isaac Howard of MSU’s Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Jessica Lewis, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship recipient; and Dr. Bill Elmore of MSU’s Swalm School of Chemical Engineering.

While the final days of Summer Bridge arrived much too quickly, the program’s mission of producing lifelong friendships and strong support networks was realized. A final project presentation competition, a celebratory lunch and a fitting challenge to “excel in the years to come” from Ergon Chief Operating Officer, Kris Patrick, rounded out the program.

Often, it is a simple question that gets the ball rolling. “How do you hire what doesn’t exist?” was the question Ergon’s Vice President of Product Stewardship and Ergon Summer Bridge liaison, Bonnie Chapman, posed to her team. Her answer?  “You create bridges.”

This was our first year to be involved with MSU’s Summer Bridge Program, but definitely not the last. By investing $900,000 in a three-year sponsorship, the Ergon family is committed to making a difference in the lives of these students and their families while also increasing the pool of engineers in Mississippi.

Process Oils Enters Into Marketing Agreement with Cross Oil Refining & Marketing

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Process Oils to market and sell Cross Oil naphthenic base oils, expanding access to high viscosity and solvency solutions and strengthening security of supply for customers.

Flowood, Miss. — Cross Oil Refining & Marketing, Inc. (“Cross Oil”) and Process Oils, Inc., an Ergon company (“Process Oils”), have entered into an offtake and marketing agreement effective August 23, 2022, through which Process Oils will serve as the exclusive marketer and seller of Cross Oil’s Corsol®, L-Series, B-Series, CrossTrans®, and Ebonite® oils produced from Martin Operating Partnership L.P.’s Smackover, Arkansas, refinery. This arrangement will benefit customers seeking viscosity and solvency solutions through reduced freight costs where applicable, expanded product options and enhanced security of supply.

“The Cross Oil team remains committed to our mission of manufacturing consistent and quality naphthenic oils for customers reliant on our chemistries,” commented Doug Towns, Senior Vice President, Cross Oil Refining & Marketing, Inc. “In addition to expanding the reach of Cross products to new customers, this agreement with Process Oils provides additional technical expertise, resources and an expanded logistics network which we believe will be of great benefit to our customers.”

“Supply of high viscosity and solvency solutions continue to be impacted by global refining trends and changing performance standards. We are excited about this opportunity to expand our marketing efforts by working with a company that shares our commitment to the continued long-term supply of this chemistry to specialty applications,” commented Lance Puckett, President of Process Oils.

About Process Oils, Inc.

Begun as Chemical Marketing Associates Inc. in Houston, Texas, in 1979, Process Oils was purchased by Ergon in 2015. With a core business built around technical marketing of base oil and process oil products, together with green solutions such as vegetable and bio-oils, Process Oils has a demonstrated ability to work with customers around the globe to find the right chemistries for the right applications.

Process Oils has grown over the years to represent over 10 different mineral oil refineries and five different vegetable oil refineries, providing the physical and chemical properties that its customers need to best fit their applications.

About Ergon

Founded in 1954 in the petroleum industry’s service sector, the Ergon Inc. group of companies is a family-owned and -operated global solutions provider. The organization has grown to encompass a group of privately held companies that operate under six primary business segments: Refining & Marketing, Specialty Chemicals, Asphalt & Emulsions, Oil & Gas, Midstream & Logistics, and Construction & Real Estate. The Ergon family shares a commitment to values of unparalleled service, selfless leadership, innovation and a sustainable future.

A sales executive will contact Cross Oil customers soon to ensure a smooth transition prior to the full implementation date on January 1, 2023. Contact information is available at https://processoilsinc.com/agreement.

Contact:

Kathy Potts
Vice President Marketing Communications
Ergon Inc.
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com | processoilsinc.com

Doug Towns
Senior Vice President
Cross Oil Refining & Marketing, Inc.
doug.towns@martinmlp.com
crossoil.com

Ergon Finalizes Acquisition of Blueknight Energy Partners, L.P.

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Ergon’s agreement to purchase all of the common and preferred units of Blueknight is approved by unitholders; Blueknight operations include 9 million barrels of liquid asphalt storage capacity across 54 terminals in 26 states

Flowood, Miss. — Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc. (Ergon) has announced that the transaction contemplated by the merger agreement with Blueknight Energy Partners, L.P. (BKEP), was completed on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. This transaction takes BKEP from a publicly traded company to a private company solely owned by Ergon. Ergon purchased the General Partner interest and approximately 26% of the limited partner units of BKEP in 2016 and, as of August 17, 2022, has acquired all outstanding common and preferred units of BKEP.

“The acquisition of the largest independent asphalt terminaling network in the country further strengthens Ergon’s long-standing position as the industry’s resource leader. The Blueknight assets remain a key component of our overall strategy and growth plan,” commented Baxter Burns, President of Ergon.

BKEP facilities will continue with business as usual under the new structure. “We are excited to welcome Blueknight operations personnel into the Ergon family and look forward to continuing our quest to provide customers with the highest quality products and services,” Burns added.

Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc., the largest asphalt emulsions marketer in North America, has facilities from coast to coast in the U.S. and Mexico. Additional information about Ergon can be found at ergon.com, and information regarding BKEP facilities can be found at bkep.com.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under six primary business segments: Refining & Marketing, Specialty Chemicals, Asphalt & Emulsions, Oil & Gas, Midstream & Logistics, and Construction & Real Estate.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com

Ergon Refining & Marketing Supports Advancement, Professional Growth Among Employees

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At Ergon, we believe purposeful growth starts with the individual desire to learn more, be more and contribute more. Ergon Refining & Marketing (R&M) is dedicated to encouraging, supporting and nurturing this desire, helping employees reach their professional potential. The following are just a few of many who have benefitted from Ergon R&M’s commitment to professional development. Learn about their transitions from entry level to management positions. If you’re interested in a career where you can learn and grow personally and professionally, visit ergoncareers.com today.

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Kristie Armstrong, PhD, PMP

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Kristie Armstrong, PhD, PMP, is Technical Projects Manager for Ergon’s Refining & Marketing (R&M) segment. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing various technical development projects that support the strategic goals of the business unit. This includes developing methodologies and processes to help manage workflows and communication, ensuring technical development teams’ efforts are aligned with business needs/requests.

Armstrong joined the Ergon family in February 2015 as Senior Project Chemist for Ergon Refining Inc. Since 2015, she has held various managerial positions, including Ergon Refining Lab Manager, R&M Technology Research & Insights Lab Manager and now Technical Projects Manager. Armstrong’s background in analytical method development and prior lab management experience has served her well in her roles with the company.

Armstrong received her Associate Degree from Hinds Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mississippi State University and her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. While she has reached the pinnacle of her academic career, Armstrong continues to embrace learning and has taken advantage of the opportunity to participate in various management courses.

The Path to Advancement
“Since working at Ergon, I have had the opportunity to take industry-related and project management courses,” said Armstrong. “I’ve also taken advantage of LinkedIn Learning courses to add to my project management skillset.” Ergon has provided every employee with the opportunity to take LinkedIn Learning courses about various topics of their choice for free. It’s one of many ways the company encourages personal and professional growth.

Armstrong always knew she wanted to advance in her career as a chemist, and seeking new ways to utilize the knowledge she gained opened doors to opportunities to learn new skills. “I sought to learn skills and take on new responsibilities, which opened my eyes to a world of opportunity in the industry, and particularly, with Ergon.”

In June 2022, Armstrong received her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. “Ergon Leadership has always supported my desire to grow,” said Armstrong. “I’ve had some wonderful managers while working at Ergon, including Jermaine Cooley, who have always supported my career growth.”

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Jermaine Cooley

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Jermaine Cooley is Director of Product Technology for Ergon’s R&M business unit. In this role, Cooley leads two groups that support strategic growth for R&M. This includes the Research & Insights Team whose laboratory skills and product knowledge support Ergon’s specialty oils and product development. The next group Cooley oversees is the Products Services Team. Product Services is the voice of the customer within R&M, representing customer interest while ensuring product quality. This team also serves as a direct contact for customers’ technical support needs.

Mastering His Role
Cooley joined Ergon in 2012 as a Project Chemist. Since that time, he has been promoted to various leadership roles, including Senior Project Chemist, Product Services Manager and now Director of Product Technology. Cooley came to Ergon wanting to be challenged and make an impact on the company.

“Transitioning to Ergon was a career advancement for me,” said Cooley. “I joined wanting to master my role and, in doing so, make a positive contribution.”

Cooley noted he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience while working for Ergon and feels supported by management in his efforts to enhance his skillset. “Throughout my time here, Ergon has done a great job of keeping me challenged and offering opportunities for growth,” said Cooley.

Cooley attended Mississippi College, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in chemistry. In 2021, Cooley completed Cornell University’s Performance Leadership course.

“Developing and implementing a plan to grow the company and employees is the epitome of the Ergon value of Purposeful Growth,” said Cooley. “Part of this strategy includes managers being intentional about providing opportunities and resources for direct reports to grow.” Cooley is paying the support he has received from Ergon management forward by supporting aspirations for advancement among his own direct reports, including Kristie Armstrong.

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Dylan Beech

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Dylan Beech is Vice President – Refining for Ergon – West Virginia (EWV). In this role, Beech is responsible for providing guidance, direction and leadership, as well as for overseeing capital and expense budgets for the company’s’ paraffinic refinery in Newell, West Virginia. He refers to himself as the person responsible for the care, well-being, growth, and development of the 200+ people at the facility.

Beech first came to Ergon as a process engineering Co-Op in 2012. He was hired as a full-time Process Engineer in 2015. Since that time, he has held roles as Operations Manager, Assistant Operations Manager/Hydroprocessing Unit Area Manager and Laboratory Manager, his most recent position prior to becoming EWV’s VP – Refining in July 2022.

Positioned to Learn
During his time as a Co-Op, Beech quickly decided a full-time career with Ergon Refining was where he wanted to officially start his career. “As a Co-Op, I was surrounded by amazing people and was empowered to tackle problems and make decisions, even though I was not yet a degreed engineer.”

Beech attended Mississippi State University (MSU) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. It was through MSU where he learned about and was accepted into Ergon’s Co-Op engineering program.

“Since I started at Ergon, my desire has been to be where I believe I can help people the most,” said Beech. This desire led to career opportunities outside of process engineering, including working in the Operations Department at Ergon Refining. Being where he is most needed also opened the door for his current position. “I have been so blessed by the opportunities I have received at Ergon,” said Beech. He expressed the company has provided opportunities most people with his age and experience level would not be allowed to have at other companies.

“I’m thankful, first, to work for a company that embraces the idea of establishing and maintaining relationships with employees, customers and in communities, and second, to work with people who, from entry level to management, consistently express genuine interest in each other’s well-being and evolution,” said Beech.