UW Names Obermueller to Lead UW School of Energy Resources

The University of Wyoming has named Pete Obermueller as the new executive director of the School of Energy Resources (SER).

Obermueller, currently the president and chief executive officer of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW), is a leading voice and policy leader for the state's oil and gas industry.

Obermueller's appointment was approved by the UW Board of Trustees and the UW Energy Resources Council (ERC), the two governing bodies for SER. Obermueller was selected following a national search conducted by the ERC and Spencer Stuart, a leading global executive search and leadership consulting firm.

"The Energy Resources Council is pleased to welcome Pete Obermueller as the new executive director of the School of Energy Resources," says ERC Chairman David Emery. "As a Wyoming native with nearly two decades of experience across government, industry and public policy, Pete brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of our state's energy heritage and fiscal realities. His demonstrated capacity to build strategic partnerships and align diverse stakeholders will be invaluable as we advance energy-driven economic development for the state of Wyoming, the mission of UW's School of Energy Resources."

"The School of Energy Resources plays such a key role in the university's support of Wyoming's biggest industry, and we're delighted that a proven leader in this sector has agreed to lead this research, service and teaching unit," UW President Ed Seidel says. "We're confident Pete will work with various partners and stakeholders on and off campus to build on the strong foundation that is in place and lead SER to even greater heights."

With more than two decades of experience in legislative affairs, natural resource and energy policy, and community relations, Obermueller has championed major initiatives to advance Wyoming's economy and reduce regulatory burdens, including cultivating research partnerships with UW.

Before leading PAW, Obermueller was executive director of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, coordinating policy for all 23 Wyoming counties. His experience in Washington, D.C., includes serving as executive director of the Congressional Western Caucus and working as legislative director for U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis, where he was a principal adviser on energy, environmental and public lands issues. He also served as a legislative assistant for former U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin.

He holds a master's degree in public policy from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and a bachelor's degree in public policy from Concordia University. A Wyoming native, he is a graduate of Natrona County High School in Casper.

"Wyoming is truly an energy workhorse, to the great benefit of everyone who calls this state home," Obermueller says. "At the forefront of that work are the incredible researchers, faculty, staff and students at the School of Energy Resources who strive every day to find new and better ways to harness and produce Wyoming's resources. I am honored and excited to work alongside these exceptional people who are dedicated to advancing Wyoming's energy economy through innovation, industry collaboration and educational excellence."

Scheduled to start at UW Monday, Aug. 31, Obermueller will take the helm from Acting Executive Director Scott Quillinan, who has served in the role following the departure of Holly Krutka in late 2025.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to Scott Quillinan for his exceptional service as acting executive director during this interim period," Emery adds. "Scott's steady leadership ensured organizational continuity, and we deeply appreciate his dedication."

About the School of Energy Resources

The School of Energy Resources collaborates with stakeholders at the state, national and international levels to develop energy technologies and policies to grow and support Wyoming's robust energy sector. SER's mission is to advance energy-driven economic development for the state, and it leads the University of Wyoming's talent and resources for interdisciplinary research and outreach, fulfilling Wyoming's promise to be a global leader in a thriving and sustainable energy future.