Staff

Edward Cross, President and Chief Operating Officer

Edward Cross serves as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association (KIOGA) where he is responsible for public policy advocacy and interaction with external stakeholders including elected officials, regulators, government decision-makers, and community leaders. At KIOGA, Cross is director of staff, editor of the Association’s publications, serves as an industry spokesperson for media and other forums, and is an industry advocate as a registered legislative agent. On behalf of KIOGA members, Cross lobbies in both Topeka and Washington, D.C.

Cross serves as an executive board member to the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA) and a board member of the Council for a Secure America (CSA). He is an active member of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and serves as an advisory committee member to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC). Cross also serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Liaison Committee of Cooperating Oil and Gas Associations, a network of state and regional trade associations that represent the independent oil and gas exploration and production industry in the U.S. where he is responsible for coordinating the organization’s efforts. Cross is a Kansas appointed Associate Official Representative to the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC). The IOGCC is a national organization representing the Governors of 37 oil and gas producing states.

In November 2023, Cross was chosen as a 2023 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). In November 2018, Cross was named a finalist for the 2018 Petroleum Economist magazine energy executive of the year award. In April 2015, Cross was recognized for his national leadership by being honored with the Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Stripper Well Association. In January 2013, Cross was named by Ingram’s, a Kansas City business magazine, as one of the “50 Kansans You Should Know”. Cross has published 8 peer-reviewed papers on economic, environmental, and energy education issues facing the independent oil and gas industry. He is a licensed professional geologist and holds a B.S. in Geology and an M.B.A. from Southern Illinois University.

Justin Yardley, Office Manager & Events Coordinator

Justin Yardley serves as Office Manager & Events Coordinator for the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association (KIOGA) where he is responsible for providing executive administrative support to the KIOGA President, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations of the office, and planning and managing association events.

Yardley possesses an associate’s degree in information technology from Allen County Community College. He is a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with over 15 years of experience in customer service, management, and coordination across various industries.