CHARLESTON, W. VA. / AGILITYPR.NEWS / March 02, 2026 / Steptoe & Johnson PLLC’s Sharon O. Flanery has been appointed as the Chair of the Advisory Board for the Institute for Energy Law (IEL). Flanery assumed the Chair position on February 27, 2026, during the IEL Annual Energy Law Conference in Houston, TX. Sharon previously served as IEL’s Senior Vice Chair and is the first Chair from Appalachia in more than 40 years, as well as the first woman from the eastern U.S. and Appalachia to hold the role.

“It is an honor to serve as the next Chair of IEL’s Advisory Board. IEL is an excellent steward of educational programming in the energy sector and fosters many opportunities to discuss energy issues with top legal and industry professionals,” Flanery said. “I look forward to continuing to support the organization’s outstanding work and extend my sincere thanks to Kristi McCarthy for her exemplary leadership as Chair for the previous term.”

In her role, Sharon will be supporting IEL’s leadership staff, as well as leading the executive committee, which consists of vice chairs, practice and program committee chairs, and publication editors. The executive committee meets throughout the year to review programs, finances, membership, publications, and activities.

“Sharon’s appointment is a tremendous honor. We are proud of her continued service and the distinction she brings to our firm and to the Appalachian region,” said Christopher L. Slaughter, CEO of Steptoe & Johnson. “IEL plays a critical role in advancing education and dialogue within the energy industry, and Sharon is well suited to help lead that mission.”

IEL was founded in 1959 and is a division of The Center for American and International Law. The organization provides education and opportunities for lawyers and other professionals in the energy industry through courses, conferences, scholarly publications, and membership activities.