Government Affairs Brief

Originally aspiring to be a firefighter, Ryan turned his passion for safety into a dynamic career in the terminal industry. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, he gained diverse experience across multiple refining facilities and discovered his interest in pipelines and terminals through a corporate rotation. Today, he leads ONEOK’s Health and Safety team, championing safety as a Core Value and fostering collaboration, innovation, and purpose across his teams.

Read the full interview to explore Ryan’s career journey, key takeaways, and his approach to fostering safety and teamwork.

TAMPA, FL (October 24, 2025) — The International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA) is pleased to announce its 2025–2026 Board of Directors, officially voted in by the membership and approved at ILTA’s Annual Membership Meeting held October 23 in Tampa, Florida. The new Board will serve from October 2025 through Fall 2026 and will guide the Association’s strategic direction as it continues to advance the interests of the liquid terminal industry.

From answering a newspaper ad at age 25 to becoming a seasoned leader in terminal operations, Elias’s career has been defined by adaptability, mentorship, and a deep commitment to safety and innovation. Reflecting on the industry’s rapid transformation—from paper plans to AI-powered systems—he also highlights one of the most encouraging shifts he’s witnessed: the growing presence of women in technical and leadership roles.

Read the full interview to learn more about Elias’s journey, insights, and vision for the future of the terminal industry.

From crane operator on the East Coast to Senior Safety Specialist overseeing seven petroleum terminals, Scott Espey’s career journey spans nearly three decades in the terminal industry. In his interview, Scott reflects on the evolution of safety, offers advice for newcomers, and shares how AI may shape the future of operations.

Read Scott’s full interview to learn more about his path, his perspective on industry change, and why networking through ILTA has been so valuable.

With a career that spans multiple industries, Jeri George, Senior Director of HR at Howard Energy Partners, shares what sparked her interest in the terminal sector and how people strategy can be a powerful driver of business success.

In this interview, Jeri discusses the evolving role of HR, the importance of aligning people and purpose, and the opportunities ahead for talent development in a changing industry. Read on to learn her insights on workforce trends, advice for newcomers, and the value of bringing a people-first perspective to terminal operations.