About
Our Story
Now more than ever, a strong, unified voice is essential to sustain environmentally responsible exploration and production (E&P) of oil and natural gas in the West.
Working with a vibrant membership base of independent oil and natural gas companies for over 50 years, Western Energy Alliance stands as a credible leader, advocate, and champion of industry in the West. Our expert staff, active committees, and committed board members form a collaborative and welcoming community of professionals dedicated to abundant, affordable energy and a high quality of life for all.
The Alliance is bold, fearless, and won’t back down as we initiate meaningful change.
Our Values
- Unity:Â We stand as the unified voice and backbone for independent oil and natural gas companies in the West, connecting a community that is part of something bigger than itself.
- Credibility: As informed leaders and industry experts, we’re on the leading edge of the policies that most impact our members as we motivate stakeholders to engage.
- Action:Â We confidently advocate on behalf of our members. Our bold stances make waves and initiate meaningful change.
Alliance Staff
Melissa Simpson
President
Melissa joined the Western Energy Alliance in April of 2025. She has over two decades of experience working on energy, wildlife, and conservation policy in Washington D.C. as a political appointee in the federal government or in the private sector. Most recently, she was Director of Global Government Affairs for Sempra, focusing on the export of liquified natural gas. She is a Colorado native, holding a B.S. in Political Science from Colorado State University and a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law.
Aaron Johnson
Vice President of Public and Legislative Affairs
Joining the Western Energy Alliance team in November 2013, Aaron comes with experience in public policy and corporate communications. Prior to Western Energy Alliance, Aaron served on Capitol Hill as a communications director and legislative aide in addition to working in the defense contracting and consumer electronics sectors. He is responsible for media relations, community outreach, and legislative affairs. Aaron received his MBA from George Mason University and B.A. in Economics at the University of Colorado.
Mike Puchalski
Manager of Business Development
Mike joined the Western Energy Alliance team in August 2023. Mike previously served as VP - Business Development with an independent upstream E&P company and prior to that held several positions of increasing responsibility in technical management. With nearly 20 years of experience in the upstream E&P business, he brings a unique perspective to the business development role and is responsible for all membership and fundraising activities. Mike received his B.S. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and M.S. from Northern Arizona University, both in Geology.
Rhett Winter
Manager of Regulatory Affairs
Rhett joined the Alliance in June of 2025. He previously spent six years in land-based operations for a global drilling company, followed by nine years with the International Association of Drilling Contractors serving as the Director of Government Affairs for U.S. Land. He also co-founded an online hiring platform that is specific to oil and gas. He holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Safety Professional.
Devin Clough
Manager of Operations
Devin joined the Western Energy Alliance team in August 2023. Devin previously served as the Brokerage and Office coordinator for a commercial real estate company and prior to that spent time as a professional event manager. With experience in both office management and event coordination, she is responsible for keeping our operations running and planning our major events. Devin received her B.A. in Business Management from the University of Tennessee.