Aug. 7, 2025 Contact: Sierra Minder, (907) 272-1481, minder@aoga.org
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA) will recognize exemplary individuals and companies working in Alaska’s oil and gas industry during its annual conference, scheduled for Aug. 27–28 at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage. The 2025 AOGA Industry Award winners are:
Contractor of the Year: Denali Universal Services The Contractor of the Year Award for Safety Performance recognizes an oil and gas support company that has demonstrated exemplary commitment to safety. For over 30 years, Denali Universal Services (DUS) has been a cornerstone contractor for ConocoPhillips Alaska, known for embedding a proactive and comprehensive safety culture throughout its operations. From achieving 20 years of incident-free operations to receiving multiple ConocoPhillips safety honors, DUS consistently demonstrates safety leadership. The organization instills safety as a personal value across all levels, fostering lasting habits that extend beyond the workplace. This sustained commitment has positioned DUS as a model for what a safety-first culture can achieve across Alaska’s oil and gas industry.
Rising Star Award: Sydney Long, ConocoPhillips Alaska The Rising Star Award honors a young professional in the oil and gas industry under the age of 35 who has made an immediate and definitive impact on the oil and gas industry in Alaska. Sydney Long, a senior analytics engineer, has swiftly advanced through key roles in engineering and analytics at ConocoPhillips Alaska. Her work includes contributing to the longest well in North America, the 35,526-foot Fiord West well in the Kuparuk reservoir, and developing industry-leading technical guidance that has helped shape company practices. Long is recognized as a mentor within ConocoPhillips and actively works to share industry knowledge with professionals in every area of the company. In addition to her work on the clock, Long shares her passion for Alaska’s energy future by volunteering for Alaska Resource Education, sparking student interest in careers across Alaska’s resource industries.
Marilyn Crockett Lifetime Achievement Award: Mark Ireland, Santos The Marilyn Crockett Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of the former AOGA executive director who dedicated her 41-year career to, as she stated, “growing Alaska’s economy through a vibrant oil and gas sector in the state.” This award honors the dedication Marilyn displayed during her career: exceptional devotion of time, effort, thought, and action consistently shown in his/her work for the betterment of the oil and gas industry in Alaska. Mark Ireland’s 40-year career includes leadership in nearly every major oilfield west of the Kuparuk River and international technical leadership roles. A mentor, innovator, and respected voice in the industry, Ireland has been instrumental in shaping the future of Alaska’s oil sector, including the development of the Pikka Unit. He will retire this November, leaving behind a legacy of technical excellence and quiet, principled leadership. Ireland’s work has not only advanced production in Alaska but has built a culture of mentorship and integrity that continues to influence young professionals across the industry.
Project of the Year: Horizontal Directional Drilling under the Colville River by ConocoPhillips Alaska The Alaska Oil and Gas Project of the Year for Environmental Stewardship and Innovation Award honors an Alaska oil and gas industry project that demonstrates superior environmental stewardship in its area of design, construction or operation and/or an innovative approach that sets a new standard for industry design, construction or operation in Alaska. ConocoPhillips Alaska’s use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install dual pipelines under the Colville River during a single winter construction season sets a new precedent in sustainable engineering. Completed with zero reportable injuries and no environmental impact to the river, this project highlights the integration of advanced technology, safety, and minimal ecological disturbance. Real-time water monitoring confirmed the protection of a vital subsistence resource for the community of Nuiqsut. The project sets a new benchmark for environmental accountability and is a testament to the potential for innovation, even in one of the world’s most challenging operating environments.
About the Alaska Oil and Gas Association: 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 in Alaska. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, AOGA works to ensure the sustainable development of Alaska’s oil and gas resources for the benefit of all Alaskans. More information about the organization can be found on Facebook (AlaskaOilAndGas), Twitter (@AOGA) and Instagram (@alaskaoilgasassociation).