Buckeye Partners Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Buckeye Partners has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, enterprise operations, logistics, human capital, and legal affairs.

Focused on delivering reliable midstream energy solutions, Buckeye Partners maintains a commitment to operational excellence and safety while managing complex liquid petroleum infrastructure across North American markets.

Leadership Roles at Buckeye Partners

  • Chief Executive Officer - Todd Russo
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Clark Smith
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Forrest Wylie
  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Kyle Vance
  • Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise - Joseph Sauger
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Kristopher Matula
  • Ceopresident - Maria Hernandez
  • Chief People Officer - Charlene Tennison
  • Chief Legal Officer - Evan Hofmann
  • Todd Russo - Chief Executive Officer

    Todd Russo, the Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the midstream logistics network. Russo manages the long-term vision for liquid petroleum transportation and storage assets, ensuring alignment with market demands. By overseeing capital allocation and investor relations, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth across the entire organization. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of energy market trends to optimize asset utilization. Todd Russo maintains rigorous standards for safety and environmental compliance throughout the company's footprint. Through strategic oversight of the executive team, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of operational efficiency. By prioritizing infrastructure reliability, Russo secures the company's position as a leader in the midstream sector. The Chief Executive Officer consistently evaluates new opportunities for expansion, ensuring the business remains competitive in a dynamic energy landscape while delivering consistent value to stakeholders.
    Todd Russo

    Clark Smith - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Clark Smith, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners, manages the daily execution of business objectives across the integrated asset portfolio. Smith focuses on the processing and marketing segments of the liquid petroleum business, ensuring seamless integration between storage and transportation services. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Smith coordinates with the board to refine operational goals and improve service delivery. This role requires deep engagement with regional market dynamics to maximize throughput efficiency. Clark Smith drives initiatives that enhance the reliability of the midstream network, supporting the company's mission to provide essential energy logistics. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer improves overall profitability and asset performance. Smith maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the company's infrastructure meets evolving industry standards. Through decisive leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the organization's market presence and operational resilience.
    Clark Smith

    Forrest Wylie - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Forrest Wylie, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners, governs the strategic direction and board-level initiatives for the organization. Wylie oversees the alignment of corporate governance with the company's mission to provide high-quality midstream logistics. As the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Wylie facilitates high-level decision-making regarding asset acquisitions and divestitures. This leadership position involves balancing stakeholder interests with the operational requirements of the liquid petroleum storage network. Forrest Wylie drives the development of long-term growth strategies, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the midstream industry. By managing the relationship between the board and the executive team, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures organizational cohesion. Wylie focuses on maintaining the company's reputation for reliability and safety in all regional operations. Through careful oversight of capital projects, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the company's extensive energy infrastructure.

    Kyle Vance - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Kyle Vance, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners, architects the foundational business models that support the company's midstream logistics operations. Vance focuses on innovation within the transportation and storage sectors, identifying new technologies to improve asset performance. As the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Vance leads the development of strategic partnerships that expand the company's reach in the energy market. This role involves deep analysis of industry shifts to ensure the company adapts to changing energy demands. Kyle Vance drives the implementation of advanced processing solutions, enhancing the value of liquid petroleum products handled by the network. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer encourages the team to pursue operational excellence. Vance maintains a focus on long-term scalability, ensuring the company's infrastructure supports future growth. Through visionary leadership, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the company's competitive advantage in the midstream space.

    Joseph Sauger - Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise

    Joseph Sauger, the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise at Buckeye Partners, directs the large-scale operational activities across the entire enterprise. Sauger focuses on the technical maintenance and reliability of the liquid petroleum storage and transportation network. As the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise, Sauger ensures that all assets operate at peak efficiency to meet customer requirements. This role involves managing complex logistics and supply chain challenges to maintain consistent service levels. Joseph Sauger drives the implementation of enterprise-wide safety protocols, ensuring that all operations adhere to strict industry standards. By overseeing the technical teams, the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise optimizes the performance of the company's infrastructure. Sauger coordinates with other executives to align operational capacity with market demand. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise supports the company's mission to provide reliable midstream solutions. Sauger ensures that the enterprise remains resilient and capable of handling large-scale energy logistics.

    Kristopher Matula - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Kristopher Matula, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Buckeye Partners, manages the day-to-day operational performance of the company's midstream assets. Matula focuses on the tactical execution of logistics strategies, ensuring that the transportation and processing of liquid petroleum products occur without interruption. As the President & Chief Operating Officer, Matula oversees the regional teams responsible for asset maintenance and service delivery. This role involves balancing operational demands with the company's long-term strategic objectives. Kristopher Matula drives initiatives to improve the efficiency of the storage network, reducing downtime and increasing throughput. By coordinating with the executive team, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational activities support the company's overall growth. Matula maintains a focus on safety and compliance, ensuring that all regional operations meet regulatory requirements. Through decisive leadership, the President & Chief Operating Officer strengthens the company's operational foundation and enhances its ability to serve the energy market.

    Maria Hernandez - Ceopresident

    Maria Hernandez, the Ceopresident at Buckeye Partners, manages the integration of administrative and operational functions to support the company's midstream logistics mission. Hernandez oversees the alignment of internal resources with the company's strategic goals for liquid petroleum storage and transportation. As the Ceopresident, Hernandez drives efficiency across all departments, ensuring that the organization meets its performance targets. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to optimize the use of integrated assets. Maria Hernandez focuses on streamlining workflows to improve service delivery and reduce operational costs. By fostering collaboration between the executive leadership and the broader workforce, the Ceopresident ensures that the company's mission remains a priority. Hernandez monitors key performance indicators to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Through proactive management, the Ceopresident supports the company's growth and stability in the energy sector. Hernandez ensures that all operational activities align with the company's commitment to safety and reliability.

    Charlene Tennison - Chief People Officer

    Charlene Tennison, the Chief People Officer at Buckeye Partners, directs the human capital strategy to support the company's midstream logistics operations. Tennison focuses on talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational culture, ensuring that the workforce possesses the skills necessary to manage complex energy infrastructure. As the Chief People Officer, Tennison aligns human resources initiatives with the company's mission to provide reliable energy solutions. This role involves creating programs that promote safety, professional growth, and employee engagement across all regions. Charlene Tennison drives the implementation of performance management systems that reward operational excellence. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, the Chief People Officer strengthens the company's ability to attract top talent in the energy sector. Tennison coordinates with other executives to ensure that the workforce remains aligned with the company's strategic goals. Through strategic human capital management, the Chief People Officer supports the company's long-term success and operational stability.
    Evan Hofmann, the Chief Legal Officer at Buckeye Partners, manages the legal and regulatory framework governing the company's midstream logistics operations. Hofmann focuses on compliance, risk management, and contract negotiations, ensuring that the company's transportation and storage activities adhere to all legal requirements. As the Chief Legal Officer, Hofmann provides guidance on complex regulatory issues that impact the energy sector. This role involves protecting the company's interests in all business dealings and managing potential legal risks. Evan Hofmann drives the development of policies that promote ethical conduct and operational transparency. By coordinating with the executive team, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all strategic decisions align with legal standards. Hofmann oversees the legal department's efforts to support the company's growth and expansion initiatives. Through proactive legal counsel, the Chief Legal Officer secures the company's reputation and operational integrity. Hofmann ensures that the organization remains compliant while pursuing its mission to provide essential energy services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Buckeye Partners Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Buckeye Partners?
    Buckeye Partners is led by Todd Russo (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Clark Smith (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Forrest Wylie (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Buckeye Partners’s executive team?
    The executive team of Buckeye Partners includes leaders such as Todd Russo (Chief Executive Officer), Clark Smith (President & Chief Executive Officer), Forrest Wylie (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Buckeye Partners have?
    Buckeye Partners has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Buckeye Partners’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Buckeye Partners includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise.