The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) has announced the appointment of Edith Naegele as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 22, 2025.

Naegele currently serves as Vice President of Membership and Strategic Development at the American Gas Association (AGA), where she has worked since 2021. She will succeed Jeff Eshelman, who is stepping down after more than 27 years with the organization. Eshelman will remain with IPAA in an advisory role to support the leadership transition and continue oversight of the group’s Energy in Depth advocacy program.

Before her time at AGA, Naegele held senior positions at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, rising to Senior Vice President and helping manage annual revenues exceeding $180 million. Her earlier career also includes work with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and participation in the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

IPAA Chairman Mike Hillebrand praised the appointment, noting Naegele’s “strong organizational skills, energy, and proven ability to engage members.” He expressed confidence that she will bring a renewed focus on advocacy and member support as the association enters a new chapter.

In her statement, Naegele said she is eager to meet with members across the country and strengthen IPAA’s role in representing independent oil and natural gas producers in Washington. “I could not be more energized to expand my mission upstream to the oil and natural gas industry through the IPAA, which is approaching a century of advocacy,” she added.

The IPAA represents over 5,000 members involved in oil and natural gas exploration and production across 34 U.S. states. With Naegele’s appointment, the association said it aims to deepen its influence in federal policy discussions while advancing issues of energy security, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.