The Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA) is a professional trade association whose mission is to foster the long-term viability of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of all Alaskans. We represent the majority of companies that are exploring, developing, producing, transporting, refining, or marketing oil and gas on the North Slope, in the Cook Inlet, and in the offshore areas of Alaska.
Founded in 1966, the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA) is proud to have played a role in the rich history of our state’s oil and gas industry. Since the historic day when oil was discovered at the Swanson River field, professionals in the industry have worked tirelessly to bring Alaska’s oil to market safely and reliably. 18 billion barrels later, we’re still going strong.
Prior to official incorporation, AOGA started out as the “Alaska Committee” of the Western Oil and Gas Association (WOGA, now WSPA), the oldest petroleum trade association in the nation. The discovery of oil and gas on the Kenai Peninsula and in Cook Inlet in the late 1950s/early 1960s lead to the incorporation of AOGA in the State of Alaska in 1966. For the next 20+ years, AOGA operated under the auspices of WOGA, officially separating to become its own stand-alone trade association in January 1989.
For over 50 years, it has been AOGA’s privilege to represent our diverse membership, acting as the “voice of industry in Alaska,” and constantly advocating on issues that impact current and future development in the state. Given the importance of a healthy and viable oil and gas industry to our state’s economy, it is our hope that the best years of the industry are yet to come.
President/CEO
Kara came to Alaska from her home state of South Dakota to teach elementary school in Atqasuk, an Inupiaq village in the North Slope Borough. After working in Washington, DC for then South Dakota Congressman, now U.S. Senator John Thune, she moved back to Alaska and lived in Fairbanks for seven years. She has served as legislative staff in Juneau to Senator Gary Wilken and was the President/CEO of the Fairbanks Chamber for four years. She joined the AOGA staff in April 2005 and been the head of the association since 2012. She is a member of the Athena Society, a recipient of Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40 Award and was the Honorary Iceman at Eielson Air Force Base. She is a member of the Lumen Christi School Board and the Downtown Rotary Club of Anchorage and serves on the Executive Committee of the Resource Development Council. In her spare time she can be found serving as a taxi driver for her three children, Joseph, Maggie and Garrett to their many church, school and sporting events. She and her husband Gerry, an Alaska Airlines pilot, also enjoy their personal plane and exploring Alaska with the kids.
External Affairs Manager
Rachel Bylsma is a born and raised Alaskan, graduate of Dimond High School, and was part of the Japanese Immersion program. Before joining AOGA, Rachel most recently served as the Director of Constituent Services for U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, a role she maintained since the senator was first elected. Prior to that, she served in a variety of capacities for Governor Sean Parnell, working her way up to Senior Policy Advisor. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from George Fox University and obtained her Master of Arts degree in public policy, with an emphasis in public administration, from Liberty University while working full-time for Senator Sullivan. As AOGA’s External Affairs Manager, Rachel is responsible for the organization’s public relations, government affairs, and event management. She lives in Anchorage with her husband Wayne and their dog Rogue.
Regulatory and Legal Affairs Manager
Dawn relocated to Anchorage from the San Francisco Bay Area in June 2018 to continue her environmental regulatory and legal compliance career in the great state of Alaska. She most recently served as the Director of Appeals and Policy Implementation for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, as Special Assistant within the DNR Commissioner’s Office, and as the DNR Native Allotment Coordinator. Dawn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Earth Science from University of California, Berkeley, and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. As AOGA’s regulatory and legal affairs manager, Dawn will be responsible for evaluating government’s actions and initiatives, coordinating AOGA’s review and response to such initiatives, and directing AOGA’s legal and environmental
committees.
Support Services
Tamara moved to Alaska from Montana in 1972 with her family. Alaska has been her home ever since. Tamara attended West Anchorage High School, University of Alaska and Alaska Career College. She came to work at AOGA in December 1980, where she has held various administrative positions. She has volunteered her time to various organizations: American Diabetes Association-Alaska District, American Heart Association, Anchorage Chamber Citywide Cleanup, Anchorage Health Fair. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling with her husband Mike, gardening and the outdoors. She and her husband have a grown son Steven who resides in Alaska. She recently has a new grandson Landon Tyler, who she loves spending time with.