Hello, my name is Sue Krienen. I am the Site Manager at the Shell Puget Sound Refinery. I began at the refinery earlier this year, and this is my first article in Tidings.
   
Tom Smith was the previous Manager, and served in this position for the past five years. During his tenure, the refinery made very significant improvements in safety, environmental performance, reliability, and profitability. Some of the largest enhancement projects in the history of this plant were completed during this time. Late last year, Shell asked Tom to help out with a large expansion project back in Houston.
   
Tom did a great job, and I am excited about the challenges ahead. I hope in the weeks and months ahead to get know many of you personally. In the meantime, please let me take this opportunity to introduce myself.
   
My friends call me Sue, and my last name is pronounced “cree-nan.”  I grew up in Michigan and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.
   
I have held several technical and management positions in the oil industry. I’ve worked for Mobil Oil, ExxonMobil, the Williams Company, and most recently, Marathon Oil. This is the second time I’ve been responsible as Plant Manager for the overall operations of a refinery.
   
My family and I have lived and worked in different parts of the country, most recently in Canton, Ohio.  I am very happy to come here to live in  this spectacular part of the country. Some might accuse me of moving to Anacortes because it is so close to Canada. I’ve been a lifelong hockey fan, and continue to play on a women’s hockey team. I’ve also coached youth hockey teams.
   
Being involved in the community I serve is very important to me, and I am eager to become involved in this wonderful community. Previously I served on the United Way board and the Chamber of Commerce board. Community involvement is important not just for me, but something I believe is important for everyone, and I am very pleased to see the level of involvement of team members at this refinery. It is something I will continue to encourage and strengthen.
   
Now that I’ve told you a bit about myself, I’d love to hear from you. One of the simplest ways of asking me a question or making a comment about how we are doing is to use our website. Just go to www.shellpsr.com and click on “Submit Inquiry.” Make sure you mention the inquiry is for me and I will make certain you receive a response.
   
For those of you who have already made me feel welcome, I thank you. I look forward to the months and years ahead, and to meeting many more of you.