The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) announced Jan. 15 that Mallori McClure and Samantha McDonald have joined the organization’s government relations staff.

Both former Capitol Hill staffers specializing in energy and environment issues, McClure worked as senior legislative assistant to Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) and McDonald worked as a legislative assistant for Congressman John Fleming (R-La.).

“Mallori’s and Samantha’s experience on Capitol Hill, both advising legislators who not only sat on the House Natural Resources Committee but also represent important energy-producing states, primes them perfectly to advocate for America’s independent oil and natural gas producers inside the Beltway,” said Barry Russell, IPAA president and CEO. “Their legislative expertise in energy and environment issues will be a vital asset as these issues move into the spotlight in the 113th Congress.”

McClure acted as senior policy advisor for Congressman Lamborn, who was chairman of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee. McClure also built up broad coalitions in the energy and mining sectors, and has experience in the U.S. Senate as a staffer for the Republican Policy Committee.

At IPAA, McClure will be expanding outreach to oil and natural gas producers in the West, with a particular focus on cultivating relationships with IPAA member companies in Texas. A native of Colorado, she has a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University.

As a legislative assistant for Congressman Fleming, McDonald specialized in issues relating to development of the Haynesville natural gas shale and offshore resources. She also acted as point-person for the congressman’s seat on the House Committee on Natural Resources, the Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals, and with regard to the congressman’s role as chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs. Previously, McDonald also worked in the congressional offices of Steve King and John Peterson.

At IPAA, McDonald will be primarily responsible for the portfolio of issues relating to offshore oil and natural gas development concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast. McDonald is from Pennsylvania, and has a bachelor’s degree from Scranton University and a master’s degree from George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mallori McClure and Samantha McDonald on board,” Russell said. “They will be an integral part of IPAA’s government relations team going forward, as we seek to promote policies that encourage American oil and natural gas production.”