Staff

Edward Cross, Former President and Chief Operating Officer

Edward Cross, President of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association, retired effective October 31, 2024, after a 21-year tenure at KIOGA. We wish to thank Ed for his many years of service. Ed Cross has been a key leader in advancing the mission and work of our association. His commitment and contributions have had a lasting positive impact on our industry, both in the state of Kansas and nationally. Cross said he is looking forward to some time to refresh and re-energize.  A search committee has been established to select a new President in the coming months.

Cross issued the following statement:

Way back in 2003, I was lucky enough to learn of an opportunity to lead the Kansas Independent Oil &Gas Association (KIOGA) and even more fortunate when several good people pushed me forward into the job as President of KIOGA. I have been blessed to lead this Association for over 21 years. I want to thank all KIOGA members, the Board of Directors, and the 11 Chairman I have served for the privilege of leading KIOGA for the past 21+ years. During my tenure as KIOGA President, we have shared many achievements. Early in my tenure at KIOGA, I was the primary author of the Kansas Petroleum Education & Marketing Act (the enabling legislation that created what is known today as Kansas Strong). Together we held back numerous attempts at tax increases on the oil and gas industry, stopped onerous surface damage legislation, stemmed burdensome check stub bills, halted misguided hydraulic fracturing regulations, and more. Just over the past 3 years, KIOGA spearheaded legislative actions that saved the Kansas oil and gas industry over $233 million. I was honored to be named one of “50 Kansans You Should Know” in 2013 by Ingram’s (a Kansas City Business Magazine), “Distinguished Leadership Award” in 2015 by the National Stripper Well Association, “Energy Executive of the Year” finalist in 2018 by Petroleum Economist magazine, and “2023 Top Lobbyist” by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics. My time at KIOGA has been amazing! I could not have asked for a better opportunity. The experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met, the challenges that together we’ve overcome form a body of memory that is beyond meaning for me. I am privileged to have worked for you and to represent your interests. Thank you, KIOGA members, for your support and encouragement over the years. Carry on!   

On behalf of the KIOGA Board, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ed for his many years of dedicated service and significant contributions to our organization. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.

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.

Mr. 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.