Education
  • General Leadership Program
    Arizona State University (2017)
  • Enterprise Leadership Program
    UNC-Chapel Hill (2014)
  • Purdue University
    B.S. Chemical Engineering (2008)
Areas of expertise
  • Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
  • Accident / Incident Investigation
  • Commercial Contracts
  • Markets & Strategy
  • Renewables and Regulatory
  • Technology Assessment
  • Project Feasibility
  • Operations and Maintenance
  • OSHA-related
  • Ad Valorem Taxes
  • Environmental
  • Product Quality
  • Water/Marine
  • LP Planning / Practice
  • Pricing
  • Crude Oil Valuation
  • Safety
  • Pipeline
Industries
  • Natural Gas and NGLs
  • Chemicals and Petrochemicals
  • Power Generation
  • Petroleum Refining
  • Transportation and Storage

Summary of Experience

Mr. Upchurch has over 15 years of experience in directing global operations, logistics, supply chain, and manufacturing operations in the oil and gas industry. A skilled commercial trader, Sean’s expertise in understanding and identifying physical and financial trading opportunities to optimize market positions, risk management, and profitability solidifies his ability to negotiate the commercial terms of sales and storage contracts. He also has experience in refinery operational improvement and optimization, leading strategies for increased supply chain flexibility while also focusing on productivity, safety, and product quality.

Sean began his career at ExxonMobil as an Oil Movements Process Engineer and held various roles in process engineering, manufacturing, and analysis. His leadership at ExxonMobil included overseeing energy management programs and technical support, streamlining operations, and managing budgets. As Coker Operations Manager, Sean ensured safety, reliability, and efficiency while managing a sizable budget and successfully executing key projects. He later led strategic initiatives as a Crude & Products Supply Optimization Lead, driving significant sales and operational improvements. In his role as Global Operations Advisor, Sean spearheaded initiatives to streamline business planning across multiple sites. His most recent role as a Natural Gas Liquids Trader saw him excel in executing trades and boosting earnings through strategic market moves.

Previous Experience

2023-2024: ExxonMobil Global Trading,
Natural Gas Liquids Trader

2008-2022: ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants Company,
Global Operations Advisor
Crude & Products Supply Optimization Lead
Coker Operations Manager
Operations Support Technical Supervisor
Energy Improvement & Utilities Technical Section Supervisor
Crude & Lubes Coordination Analyst
Lubricants Manufacturing Coordinator
Catalytic Cracking Unit Process Engineer
Oil Movements Process Engineer