Longtime AAPL and NAPE Innovator Named EVP and COO
Le’Ann Pembroke Callihan steps into the top leadership role of the industry’s premier land association and world’s largest energy prospect expo after 35 years of dedicated service.
The American Association of Professional Landmen named Le’Ann Pembroke Callihan executive vice president and chief operating officer of AAPL and NAPE. Callihan most recently served as vice president. AAPL President Brooks Yates, CPL, announced the appointment at the opening session of the association’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Boston on June 19.
“Le’Ann has devoted more than 30 years to serving AAPL and NAPE in roles of increasing responsibility — from college intern to vice president. A true experience architect, she has consistently raised the bar, bringing innovative initiatives and opportunities for AAPL members and NAPE attendees throughout her remarkable career,” Yates said.
Callihan shared, “Becoming the EVP and COO of AAPL and NAPE is a tremendous honor, as AAPL stands out as the only national organization dedicated exclusively to landmen. AAPL’s unwavering commitment to education, service and ethical standards sets it apart, ensuring that our members are equipped with the highest level of professional excellence and integrity. This dedication not only advances the careers of our members but also strengthens the entire energy industry.”
“In addition, NAPE is a cornerstone of the energy industry, bringing together all disciplines in one central marketplace to innovate, share ideas and make deals happen. This collaborative environment stimulates the economy and ensures the continuous provision of energy to the world, highlighting NAPE’s vital role in driving industry advancements and economic growth,” she added.
Joining AAPL as an intern in 1989, Callihan served on the first NAPE Advisory Committee, assisted with the inaugural North American Prospect Expo in 1993 and has been at the helm of innovation for NAPE, launching NAPE — The Magazine for Dealmakers, adding Prospect Presentation Theaters, establishing the Renewable Energy, Bitcoin and Minerals & NonOp Hubs, instituting the NAPE Job Fair and NAPE Sweepstakes, and developing the NAPE/TCU Energy Innovation Case Competition. She also has helped raise more than $6 million for the NAPE Charities Fund. In 2023 she was inducted into the NAPE Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class.
Additionally, Callihan initiated the first AAPL Horizon Breakfast and Award ceremony, spearheaded successful rebrands for both AAPL and NAPE, and was executive producer of The Path of the Landman documation video.
Among her many honors, Callihan was a finalist for D CEO magazine’s 2021 Energy Awards in the category of Energy Services & Technology Executive of the Year and was a 2023 Hart Energy 25 Influential Women in Energy honoree. Most recently, she received the Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen’s 2024 Impact Award and AAPL’s 2024 Pioneer Award for significantly impacting the land profession with a fundamentally distinct contribution.
Callihan earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, cum laude, from Texas Christian University as well as completed a study abroad program at Oxford University. She serves on the advisory board for the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute at the TCU Neeley School of Business and is a founder and vice chair of the Valley View Education Foundation. She has served on the board of directors for the North Texas Chapter of the Women’s Energy Network and is an executive member of WEN’s Fort Worth circle, where she leads a mentor/mentee group. She also is a member of the American Society of Association Executives.
A member of Family Life Church, Callihan also enjoys volunteering as a Kids Zone teacher. She and husband Mark live on the Pembroke family ranch in Gainesville, Texas. They have two adult sons: Reece and River — her pride and joy.
Looking forward, Callihan is optimistic about the future of AAPL, NAPE and the U.S. energy industry.
“AAPL and NAPE are well equipped to tackle the challenges of the evolving energy industry,” she said. “Their success is driven by the broad and innovative skills of land professionals, strategic alliances with key E&P companies and the unwavering support of a dedicated staff and a visionary board of directors. This combination positions AAPL and NAPE to thrive in the new energy expansion.”
She added: “I am deeply grateful for the working relationships I have established with industry leaders. Their wisdom, mentorship and guidance — and having their numbers on speed dial — give me the confidence to serve AAPL/NAPE effectively in my new role.”
ABOUT AAPL
Founded in 1955, AAPL is the land profession’s trusted resource for support, ethical standards of practice, career advancement and legislative advocacy. With close to 12,000 members, AAPL serves as a guiding resource to support landmen as they continue their education in our ever-evolving world. To stay connected with AAPL, visit landman.org and follow AAPL on X @AAPLlandman, Facebook @AAPLAmericasLandmen, Instagram @aapllandman and LinkedIn.
ABOUT NAPE
The largest energy prospect expo in the world, NAPE was founded in 1993 by the American Association of Professional Landmen and also includes the Independent Petroleum Association of America, Society of Exploration Geophysicists and American Association of Petroleum Geologists as partner hosts. The annual NAPE Summit brings together prospects and all the key players needed to evaluate, facilitate and execute deals across all sections of the energy industry. The 2025 NAPE Summit will be held Feb. 5-7 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. To stay connected on all things NAPE, please visit NAPEexpo.com and follow NAPE on X @NAPE_EXPO, Facebook @NAPEexpo, Instagram @napeexpo and LinkedIn.