Mary Herrmann-Foley has built a distinguished career in the energy sector, currently working as Shell’s PETROSIGNS central support manager. In this role, she leads global support for applications, ensuring seamless communication between developers and users while managing software deployment. Her leadership has been instrumental in addressing staffing challenges and implementing critical business changes within her team. Before this position, she served as a geoscience global workflow consultant at Shell, developing and testing innovative functionalities to align with evolving industry standards. Ms. Herrmann-Foley also held the position of production geoscience discipline lead, with her efforts significantly contributing to managing central gas reserves.
Ms. Herrmann-Foley’s academic foundation has been a key factor in her professional achievements. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston, a Bachelor of Science in geological engineering from Michigan Technological University, and a bachelor’s degree in international finance from the University of Houston. These educational credentials equipped her with the technical expertise and strategic insight necessary to navigate the complexities of the energy sector while excelling in leadership roles.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Herrmann-Foley held various impactful positions at Shell, including production geoscientist at Shell E&P, where she worked on deep-tech gas projects near the Mexican border and undertook international assignments in Colombia and Ecuador. Among her notable achievements, she contributed to groundbreaking discoveries in the Middle Magdalena Valley of Colombia, which formed the basis for her later work in international business. She also served as Saba’s production geoscience discipline lead, further expanding her influence in the industry.
Ms. Herrmann-Foley’s career began as a production geologist and petrophysicist in Louisiana, roles that demonstrated her ability to bring people together and foster collaboration. This talent was later showcased in her facilitation of high-stakes meetings with country chairpersons. Her active involvement with professional organizations such as the German Geological Society and the Sierra Club reflects her dedication to advancing the field. She also served as president of the Society of Petroleum Engineers at Michigan Technological University and in the Netherlands, highlighting her leadership and commitment to the industry.
Ms. Herrmann-Foley attributes much of her success to the support and encouragement she received throughout her life. She credits her grandparents for believing in her potential and her high school biology teacher for inspiring her passion for the sciences. Known for her optimism and energy, her managers consistently recognized her as a motivational force within her teams. Her dedication to inclusivity and fostering personal growth has shaped her leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of listening, valuing diverse perspectives, and helping others develop their skills. Her motivation stems from a passion for new technology, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of green energy, mainly hydrogen. She finds fulfillment in working with diverse teams, analyzing complex problems, and advancing innovative solutions. Supporting sustainable energy initiatives is a driving force in her career, reflecting her commitment to environmental stewardship.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Herrmann-Foley has remained actively engaged in civic and community activities. She volunteers with organizations such as Meadows Foundation Inc. and Citizens’ Climate Lobby, exemplifying her dedication to positively impacting outside work. She has received recognition from the Academy of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences and is a member of the Presidential Council of Alumni at Michigan Technological University.
Ms. Herrmann-Foley’s personal life is equally fulfilling. She was born in Grand Rapids and enjoys bike racing, tree planting, and community clean-up activities. She is married to Michael Foley, and together, they have two daughters, Kyla and Alyssa, who have followed in her footsteps by pursuing engineering careers inspired by environmental concerns. Her family’s dedication to sustainability underscores her influence as a role model.
In the future, Ms. Herrmann-Foley plans to focus on advancing technology and green energy initiatives, mainly hydrogen and geothermal mining. She aims to establish herself as a leading expert in these areas while inspiring the next generation of engineers to embrace innovation and environmental responsibility. Her enduring contributions to the energy sector and her community reflect a career defined by vision, determination, and excellence.