Devon Energy Corp. chief executive J. Larry Nichols became the first independent producer to be named chairman of the American Petroleum Institute on Oct. 20 at API's annual meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The oil and gas industry trade association's board of directors also elected Marathon Oil Corp. chief executive Clarence P. Cazalot Jr. treasurer. Both will assume their offices on Jan. 1.
API directors also elected Jack N. Gerard as the group's president and chief executive, effective Nov. 1. Gerard previously was president of the American Chemistry Council. He will succeed Red Cavaney, who is retiring from API but who will remain an active part of oil and gas industry activity in Washington as ConocoPhillips Co.'s new senior vice president for government affairs.
Nichols is a co-founder of Devon, which is based in Oklahoma City and has been its chairman since 2000 and its chief executive since 1980. He was its president from 1976 until 2003. He holds a bachelor's of science degree from Princeton University and a law degree from the University of Michigan.
Cazalot joined Marathon in March 2000 after a 38-year career at Texaco Inc. where he was a vice president and headed the multi-national oil company's worldwide production operations. He holds a bachelor's degree in geology from Louisiana State University, which also awarded him an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
Before leading the American Chemistry Council, Gerard led the National Mining Association and co-founded McClure, Gerard and Neunschwander Inc., a lobbying firm, with former US Senate James A. McClure (R-Idaho). Gerard also worked for 10 years as a US Senate and House staff member. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a law degree from George Washington University.
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