Santos Manager Steps Up to Lead Alaska Oil and Gas Association
Photo Credit: Alaska Oil and Gas Association
The trade association for the state’s petroleum industry selected a new leader to replace Kara Moriarty, who was appointed in May to the Trump administration as Senior Advisor for Alaskan Affairs at the US Department of the Interior. Her successor at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA) held that government title previously: Steve Wackowski is AOGA’s new President and CEO.
Wackowski currently leads communications for Santos’ Alaska Business Unit. Earlier in his career, he served as press secretary to the late US Senator Ted Stevens. He was also State Director for US Senator Lisa Murkowski and managed her 2016 re-election campaign. His position with the Interior Department lasted for most of the first Trump administration from 2017 to 2020.
“I’m honored to lead AOGA and represent an industry that has been the foundation of Alaska’s economy and communities for generations,” Wackowski says. “As a lifelong Alaskan, I’ve seen firsthand how oil and gas development supports families, builds opportunity, and sustains the very fabric of our state. I’m deeply grateful to the board and hiring committee for this opportunity.”
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January 2026
Wackowski and the board also recognized Sierra Minder for her leadership in guiding AOGA through the transition period.
Wackowski studied computer science at Saint Mary’s College of California and earned a master’s degree in science and technology intelligence from National Intelligence University in Maryland. He currently serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Alaska Air National Guard, where he commands the 176th Communications Squadron. He previously held positions at the Alaska Aerospace Corporation and at Tulugaq, an aerial remote sensing joint venture.
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