PRESS RELEASES

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jeff Wilson
818-543-5344

WSPA Board of Directors Names Joseph Sparano President and Cathy Reheis-Boyd Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff

SACRAMENTO, March 19, 2003 – The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Joseph Sparano as President and Cathy Reheis-Boyd Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff.

Mr. Sparano will join WSPA effective March 24, bringing over 34 years of petroleum industry experience to lead the advocacy efforts of the association. Ms. Reheis-Boyd, who previously served as Acting President, will team with Sparano in her new role to move WSPA forward as the respected voice of the industry in the West.

“We are delighted to attract a professional of Joe Sparano’s stature and experience,” said David C. Reeves, WSPA Board Chair and President, ChevronTexaco Products Company. “With his background in petroleum
refining and marketing, strategic planning and regulatory and external affairs, he will excel in directing WSPA to meet the challenges facing the industry now and in the future”.

Mr. Sparano was recently with Tesoro Petroleum serving as President of the West Coast Region and Vice President of Heavy Fuels Marketing. He was also a former CEO of Pacific Refining Company, where he led efforts to expand their refinery in Northern California, building relationships with local government, labor unions, environmental and civic organizations. Sparano has worked for both major integrated oil companies and smaller independent refining companies. Since 1987, he has resided on the West Coast where he is a respected industry executive.

Ms. Reheis-Boyd has been a significant player in managing various elements of WSPA for the last twelve years including opening and managing our Sacramento office and all California based-issues. As Acting President, she kept the association running smoothly and enhanced its effectiveness in many ways. “At a time when WSPA could have lost momentum, we actually gained ground. I look forward to having Cathy on the management team in this new role,” said Reeves.

Mr. Sparano holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (cum laude) in Chemical Engineering, and completed Graduate studies in Business Law and Management at Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey. He also studied in the MBA Finance Program at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas.

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The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) is the oldest petroleum trade association in the United States. Founded in 1907, WSPA represents over thirty companies that explore, produce, refine, transport and market petroleum products in the six western states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. For more information about WSPA contact Jeff Wilson at (818) 543-5344 or jeff@wspa.org or visit the WSPA website at www.wspa.org.

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