API adds proven talent to senior team

WASHINGTON - API announced the addition of Shannon DiBari, Rhonda Bentz, and Bianca Domally to the organization’s senior staff. DiBari has joined as senior advisor to president and CEO Mike Sommers and executive vice president and COO Amanda Eversole, Bentz has joined as director of strategic initiatives and paid media, and Domally has joined as financial controller. The latest wave of new talent follows API’s announcement last month of Paul Afonso, who joins API as chief legal officer and vice president.

• DiBari advises on strategy and executive engagement across the organization to improve operations and enhance API’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the U.S. natural gas and oil industry.
• Bentz directs API’s brand positioning, research and paid media activity in support of state and federal advocacy campaigns and leads strategic partnerships and education efforts.
• Domally is responsible for all aspects of the financial, accounting and budgeting activities of the institute, including management of the finance department staff, budget preparation, and financial reporting.

“All three of these leaders are known for excellence in strategic and operational management and bring a wealth of experience in advocacy organizations – we are lucky to have them here at API,” said Sommers. “They will help bring creative, forward-thinking direction to our association and our membership in support of the critical role this industry plays in the world. We’re thrilled to have them.”

Prior to joining API, DiBari served as executive vice president and COO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she oversaw day-to-day operations of the trade association and managed the organization’s various programs, initiatives and divisions. Following a 38-year career with the Chamber, DiBari established the Briarpatch Consulting Group, focused on organizational development and leadership, where API was one of her clients. 

Bentz comes to API with more than 20 years of public affairs, corporate and political consulting experience. Prior to joining API, Bentz formed and led Bentz Strategies, a communications and public affairs firm for corporate, trade association and coalition clients. Previously, Bentz served as vice president of Navigators, and earlier oversaw public affairs and served as the media spokesperson on public policy issues for Visa USA, Inc., and from 1996 to 2000 Bentz served as vice president of issues management for APCO Worldwide.

Domally joins API after 11 years serving as Controller at the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Prior to working at the ACC, she worked for 12 years as the vice president of finance and IT at the American Public Power Association and five years as director of finance with Amnesty International.