Buckeye Partners Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Buckeye Partners has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human capital, and legal oversight.

Focused on delivering reliable midstream logistics, Buckeye Partners maintains a commitment to operational excellence while providing essential transportation, storage, and processing services for liquid petroleum products 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
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Kristopher Matula
  • Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise - Joe Sauger
  • President - Thomas Buckley
  • 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 and long-term vision for the organization. Russo manages the alignment of midstream logistics assets with evolving energy market demands across North America. By prioritizing capital efficiency and asset optimization, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in the transportation and storage of liquid petroleum products. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine investment priorities and risk management frameworks. Todd Russo drives the execution of growth initiatives, focusing on the expansion of processing capabilities to meet regional energy needs. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the enterprise. Ultimately, Russo fosters a culture of operational safety and technical excellence, ensuring the company remains a reliable partner within the complex energy infrastructure landscape.
    Todd Russo

    Clark Smith - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Clark Smith, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners, oversees the integration of business units to maximize the utility of the company's vast midstream asset network. Smith directs the strategic deployment of capital toward infrastructure projects that enhance the storage and transportation of liquid petroleum products. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Smith coordinates with executive leadership to streamline operational workflows and improve service delivery across diverse geographic regions. This role requires balancing immediate market volatility with the long-term stability of the energy supply chain. Clark Smith drives the development of innovative logistics solutions, ensuring the company adapts to shifting industry regulations and environmental standards. By maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and industry partners, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the firm. Smith consistently prioritizes operational reliability and sustainable growth to deliver consistent value.
    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 that define the company's role in the midstream energy sector. Wylie architects the high-level governance framework, ensuring that all transportation and processing operations align with corporate objectives and shareholder expectations. As the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Wylie monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for asset expansion and market penetration. This leadership position involves guiding the executive team through complex regulatory environments and large-scale infrastructure investments. Forrest Wylie drives the implementation of rigorous safety protocols and operational standards across the entire network of liquid petroleum assets. By fostering transparency and accountability, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the organization. Wylie ensures that the company remains a leader in providing essential logistics solutions, consistently delivering robust performance in the North American energy market.

    Kristopher Matula - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Kristopher Matula, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Buckeye Partners, manages the day-to-day execution of midstream logistics and asset maintenance programs. Matula directs the operational teams responsible for the safe transportation, storage, and processing of liquid petroleum products. As the President & Chief Operating Officer, Matula optimizes the performance of the company's integrated asset network to ensure maximum throughput and efficiency. This role involves coordinating with regional managers to address technical challenges and maintain infrastructure reliability across the North American footprint. Kristopher Matula drives the adoption of advanced monitoring technologies to enhance operational visibility and reduce downtime. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Operating Officer supports the company's commitment to service excellence and operational safety. Matula ensures that all logistical activities meet strict industry standards, ultimately contributing to the overall profitability and stability of the firm through disciplined management of physical assets.

    Joe Sauger - Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise

    Joe Sauger, the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise at Buckeye Partners, architects the large-scale operational frameworks that support the company's enterprise-wide logistics capabilities. Sauger directs the integration of complex storage and processing systems, ensuring that all assets function as a cohesive unit to serve diverse market needs. As the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise, Sauger oversees the implementation of standardized operational procedures across all regional facilities. This leadership role involves managing the technical lifecycle of infrastructure projects and optimizing the flow of liquid petroleum products through the network. Joe Sauger drives the development of scalable solutions that improve operational agility and responsiveness to market fluctuations. By focusing on enterprise-level efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise ensures that the company maintains high standards of reliability and safety. Sauger coordinates with other executive leaders to align operational capacity with strategic growth targets, securing the long-term viability of the firm's midstream assets.

    Thomas Buckley - President

    Thomas Buckley, the President at Buckeye Partners, directs the tactical execution of business development and market expansion initiatives. Buckley manages the identification of new opportunities within the midstream sector, focusing on enhancing the company's footprint in the transportation and storage of liquid petroleum products. As the President, Buckley coordinates with the executive team to translate high-level strategy into actionable operational plans. This role involves overseeing the commercial aspects of the business, including client relationships and service contract management. Thomas Buckley drives the pursuit of growth through strategic partnerships and infrastructure investments that align with regional energy demands. By monitoring market trends and competitive dynamics, the President ensures that the company remains agile and responsive to industry shifts. Buckley supports the overall mission of the firm by fostering a focus on commercial success and operational reliability, ensuring that the company continues to deliver value to its stakeholders and customers.

    Charlene Tennison - Chief People Officer

    Charlene Tennison, the Chief People Officer at Buckeye Partners, directs the human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement. Tennison architects programs that foster a culture of safety, technical proficiency, and operational excellence across the company's diverse workforce. As the Chief People Officer, Tennison manages the alignment of human resources initiatives with the broader business goals of the midstream logistics sector. This role involves designing training frameworks that ensure staff possess the specialized skills required to operate complex petroleum storage and transportation assets. Charlene Tennison drives the implementation of performance management systems that reward efficiency and innovation. By prioritizing workforce health and professional growth, the Chief People Officer strengthens the company's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. Tennison ensures that the organizational structure supports the strategic objectives of the firm, creating a resilient and highly capable team ready to meet evolving industry challenges.
    Evan Hofmann, the Chief Legal Officer at Buckeye Partners, directs the legal and regulatory affairs that govern the company's midstream operations. Hofmann architects the compliance strategies necessary to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding the transportation and storage of liquid petroleum products. As the Chief Legal Officer, Hofmann manages risk mitigation, contract negotiations, and corporate governance to protect the firm's assets and reputation. This role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to ensure that all business activities adhere to federal and regional environmental regulations. Evan Hofmann drives the resolution of legal disputes and oversees the management of external counsel to maintain operational continuity. By providing expert legal guidance, the Chief Legal Officer supports the company's strategic initiatives and expansion efforts. Hofmann ensures that the organization operates within a framework of integrity and legal certainty, enabling the firm to focus on its core mission of providing essential energy logistics solutions.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Freight & Logistics Services

    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 8 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, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise.