Harold Hamm Poised to Lead Major Oil Trade Association, Signaling Shift in Industry Influence
Harold Hamm, a prominent shale-oil pioneer and close energy advisor to President Trump, is expected to take a leading role in a major oil trade association following the merger of his Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA) with the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). This move, which occurred with little public fanfare, is seen by industry insiders as placing one of President Trump's key oil industry allies at the helm of a group that describes itself as the oil industry's 'strongest presence in the nation's capital.' While no formal announcement has been made regarding Hamm's title, many familiar with the situation anticipate he will effectively run the organization. The merger has also resulted in DEPA leaders securing 15 board seats at IPAA, representing more than a quarter of the total seats, a disproportionate share given IPAA's financial size. Hamm has been a member of the IPAA board since 2024, and an IPAA spokesperson indicated that the group is considering adjusting the timing ... 
