October 31st, 2025

Laura McIntire, Riverside Energy Michigan, LLC. -- CRACKERJACK PHOTOGRAPHY / Jamie Kirschner

Breaking New Ground: An Interview with MOGA's First Female Board Member, Laura McIntire

In a field long defined by tradition and technical expertise, Laura McIntire is helping chart a new course for Michigan’s oil and gas industry. Elected as the first female member of the Michigan Oil & Gas Association’s Board of Directors, McIntire brings a fresh perspective shaped by her background in natural gas generation and carbon management. In this interview, she shares her journey into the industry, her vision for balancing innovation with reliability, and her hopes for inspiring future leaders to take an active role in shaping Michigan’s energy future.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first got involved in the oil and gas industry?
My background is in electric generation, specifically at a natural gas plant that’s the largest consumer of natural gas in the state. So while I’m relatively new to the oil and gas industry, I bring an end-user perspective focused on reliability, efficiency, and affordability. My work on grant-funded carbon capture projects opened the door to deeper collaboration with upstream and midstream stakeholders and ultimately led me to transition into this space.

What inspired you to pursue a leadership role within the industry?
I saw a real opportunity to bridge the gap between regulatory frameworks and the operational realities producers face. As I got more involved in carbon management and industry collaboration, it became clear that producers need advocates who understand the day-to-day challenges of field operations in Michigan and can ensure those needs are considered early in policy and project development. That’s what drives me, making sure the people safely pulling resources from the ground have a seat at the table when decisions are made.​

Did you have any mentors or pivotal moments that shaped your career path?
Yes, I’ve had mentors who were instrumental in shaping my career, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time they invested in my growth. That impact has stayed with me, and fostering a growth-oriented culture that empowers people to step into bigger roles, supports their development, and drives lasting impact is foundational to long-term success for individuals and organizations.

What does it mean to you to be elected as the first female member of the MOGA board?
It’s a real honor to be elected as the first female member of the MOGA board. I’m proud to bring a different perspective to the table and it’s exciting to be part of a board that’s shaping the future of the industry.

What are your main priorities or hopes as a board member?
My priority is supporting the oil and gas industry through the energy transition. That means advocating for practical, forward-looking policies, ensuring operational realities are part of the conversation, and helping position the industry to thrive as it evolves. I’m committed to balancing innovation with reliability so we can continue delivering cleaner, affordable energy while extending a longer runway for future generations.

Are there specific issues or areas of industry development you’re particularly passionate about?
Advancing technologies and policies around carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and renewable natural gas (RNG). I see these areas as key to the overall transition to cleaner energy over the next 25 years and they represent an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while leveraging existing infrastructure.

How have you seen the industry evolve during your career?
I’ve seen the industry become more collaborative and forward-looking. There’s a stronger focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and long-term planning than ever before. The energy transition has brought new challenges, but also new opportunities and I’ve seen producers step up with creative solutions and a willingness to adapt. It’s encouraging to see the industry evolve while staying grounded in what it does best.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing Michigan’s oil and gas sector today?
There’s real potential to continue leveraging Michigan’s oil and gas resources to drive economic growth, especially through innovation in carbon management and infrastructure modernization. At the same time, industry faces challenges like environmental regulations, aging infrastructure, low prices and a growing skills gap. Navigating the energy transition while maintaining reliability and affordability for 10 million people in the state is a delicate balance but with the right investment in technology, workforce development, and policy alignment, Michigan’s oil and gas sector is well-positioned to lead through change.

What does your appointment say about the industry’s approach to diversity and inclusion? 
That’s a bit hard for me to answer since I wasn’t part of the decision-making process, but I do hope it reflects openness to diverse perspectives and experiences within the industry. Representation matters, and I’m proud to bring a slightly different viewpoint to the table.

Do you hope your role inspires more women to consider careers in oil and gas?
Absolutely. If my role can make the path a little easier for the next person, I’m happy to do it.

What do you enjoy most about your work? 
I’m driven by purpose, and while it doesn’t always feel that way day-to-day, being part of the energy transition (something that will help secure a healthier future for generations to come), is what keeps me going. That sense of impact is what I enjoy most.
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How do you spend your time when you’re not working?
I have two boys and two dogs who definitely keep me on my toes! When they are forced to leave the comforts of air conditioning and screens, we spend a lot of time camping, kayaking, going to the beach and exploring waterfalls and the beauty in the UP.