Why you need to know him: Because at age 26, Andy Long is leading one of the largest oil and gas trade organizations in Texas—and the biggest in Dallas. With more than 4,100 members in its local chapter, Young Professionals in Energy attracts a diverse group of industry professionals.
In his four years at YPE, Long, who serves as president and chairman, launched a lunch-and-learn program series that partners with the Maguire Energy Institute at Southern Methodist University, an annual golf tournament, and a scholarship fund. One of his newest initiatives is helping to develop a mentor program that connects students from SMU, the University of Texas at Dallas, and Dallas County Community College District with local oil and gas pros.
“We’re the only chapter to have a mentor program,” says Long, a business development analyst in acquisitions and divestitures at J-W Operating Co., an exploration and production company based in Addison. Along with introducing students to experienced experts across a variety of disciplines, the goal is to recruit more YPE members once the students land area jobs.
Membership in the organization is free, as there are plenty of well-funded companies interested in supporting this crowd. “We’re seeing a big turnout to events and an influx of people wanting to attend and sponsor our events,” Long says about the growing organization.
A native of Chicago, Long was just 19 when he began working part-time in J-W’s business development group while attending UT-Dallas, where he also played soccer. Besides YPE, Long also serves on the Dallas Energy Council of the Maguire Energy Institute and is a representative for the Texas Energy Council.
”There are a lot of great jobs, and the industry is booming,” Long says. “I don’t know if people completely understand how big oil and gas is here. ExxonMobil is here and there are many big, privately owned companies, and a lot of accounting and law firms that help the industry. It’s very vibrant.”
