Shawn Bennett's career reflects a deep and sustained focus on energy issues. As the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oil and Natural Gas, he administered the Department of Energy’s oil and gas programs, which included research and development, analysis, and natural gas regulation. This role built upon his extensive expertise developed across multiple segments of the oil and gas industry.

Prior to his tenure at the Department of Energy, Mr. Bennett served as the Executive Vice President of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA), a non-profit trade association representing Ohio oil and gas producers. The organization, with over 2,000 members, encompasses all facets of crude oil and natural gas resource exploration, production, and development in Ohio. In this capacity, he oversaw all federal and state legislative and regulatory activities in both Columbus, OH, and Washington, D.C.

Before joining OOGA, Mr. Bennett was the Director of Strategic Communications for FTI Consulting from 2011 to 2014. During this period, he collaborated with business leaders, elected officials, and residents in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania to educate them on the safety and economic benefits of oil and gas exploration. He also developed and implemented strategic communications strategies for energy clients.

With 15 years of combined public affairs experience as a chief staff executive and government relations professional, Shawn Bennett possesses an extensive background in government affairs, media relations, grassroots strategy, and nonprofit leadership. He has developed and directed numerous public awareness programs and issue campaigns, effectively educating the public and policymakers on key organizational priorities. His success is attributed to his utilization of a wide array of public affairs tactics and strategies.