Member Feature: Jake Hinch, Manager, Federal Government Affairs, Marathon Petroleum
As a follow-up to our introduction of the newly added Government Affairs Subcommittee (GAS), we would like to highlight its work and the significant role it plays in advancing ILTA’s advocacy agenda. Jake Hinch, who co-chairs GAS, brings valuable experience from his time working in the United States Senate and at Marathon Petroleum, where he focuses on advocating for the bulk terminal industry.
We had the opportunity to interview Jake and gain his insights on the importance of legislative and regulatory advocacy for ILTA and its members.
What was your first foray into the policymaking space?
I first got involved with terminal issues and ILTA when I worked in the U.S. Senate as a policy advisor to former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK). While on the senator’s staff, at varying times, ILTA staff and I discussed federal issues of importance to the terminal industry, from environmental issues like PFAS to security issues like the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorist Standard (CFATS) program. Following my departure from the Senate in January 2023, I joined the Federal Government Affairs team at Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) where I am predominantly involved in advocacy issues affecting the midstream side of our business, including liquid terminals.
In your current line of work, what are you most proud of?
This is tough to answer as there are many great aspects to my job. The best part of my job is learning about the business, federal issues, and priorities of Marathon Petroleum and using that knowledge to help support and inform the legislative and regulatory work of federal government officials in Washington, D.C. Additionally, getting to know and work alongside the skilled and kind people of Marathon continues to be the highlight of my day-to-day.
What would you say to a young person to encourage them to pursue a future career with a liquid terminal company?
Terminals are a vital part of the global supply chain and affect so many different segments of the world economy. Young people considering a career in terminals should see a lot of opportunity over their careers in a profession that values and rewards hard work and expertise.
Can you talk about your involvement with ILTA?
I was elected to co-chair the ILTA’s inaugural Government Affairs Subcommittee in April 2024. I am looking forward to continuing engagement with other ILTA Members and working alongside ILTA to advocate in support of policies that benefit the liquid terminals industry and its ability to continue serving the nation’s energy needs.
What’s your favorite part of being involved with ILTA?
The people of ILTA – the staff and member company representatives – are always a joy to work alongside and interact with. We all have the same priority in mind, which is to support and grow the liquid terminals industry today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Do you belong to any community or civic organizations you’d like to mention?
As a proud undergraduate alumnus of Southern Methodist University (SMU), I serve on the Washington, D.C. Alumni Board, where I’m involved in bringing together SMU alumni in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area for social, philanthropic, and networking engagements.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to mention?
I am an avid runner, and I enjoy traveling, golfing, and exploring the diverse and unique dining scene across Washington, D.C.