Cathy Foerster

Cathy (Paciotti) Foerster grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduated as valedictorian of W. B. Ray High School in 1973. She earned a mechanical engineering bachelor's degree with highest honors from The University of Texas in 1977 and then joined Exxon Company USA. She left Exxon in 1979 to work for ARCO, where she held a variety of positions in engineering, operations, and management until ARCO was acquired by BP in 2000. Cathy left BP in 2002 to work as an engineering consultant for various clients, including BP and the State of Alaska. In 2005, the Governor of Alaska appointed her to serve as the engineering commissioner for the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which is similar to the Oil and Gas Division of the Texas Railroad Commission. In 2005, Cathy was named an Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Graduate of The University of Texas, and in 2008 she was named to the Athena Society, a national organization of business professionals who are recognized for mentoring young women. Cathy has maintained an active spiritual life and volunteered in areas that support positive youth development. She has dedicated countless hours to mentoring students and promoting their interests in math, science, and engineering. She has also mentored many young engineers and led young women through the unique challenges of the oil and gas industry. She is active in the Texas Exes, Alaska Chapter and is a Friend of Alec. She is also an avid reader, outdoorswoman, and swimmer. Cathy married her college sweetheart, Keith, and they have two sons, Kenny and Nate. Kenny is in medical school at the University of Washington and Nate is a musician and music teacher. Both are Eagle Scouts.