Angela Gallagher Tillman
Angela Gallagher Tillman is a dedicated and highly skilled professional in the energy and oil and gas industry, currently serving as Security Supervisor at Rival Services, LLC in Fort Morgan, Colorado. With over seven years of experience in the sector, Angela’s career journey is both inspiring and unconventional. She began her professional life as a kindergarten teacher, where her interest in safety first emerged. A chance meeting at a coffee shop drew her curiosity for the energy sector, where her passion for safety could be fully realized. Since then, she has built a career that blends security and safety, progressing from hands-on field roles to supervising large teams and critical operational safety programs. Angela is recognized for her exceptional accountability, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance. She began her career at Rival Services as a security guard working directly with field teams, quickly advancing to supervise a team of 40. She manages OSHA programs, First Aid/CPR training, emergency coordination with local authorities, site safety assessments, and team scheduling and development. Soon, she will transition into the role of Safety and Security Manager, expanding her leadership responsibilities to oversee safety and security operations across multiple worksites. Her work ensures that all personnel return home safely each day—a mission she considers the most rewarding part of her career. Outside of her professional endeavors, Angela is an avid creator and family-oriented individual. She enjoys cake decorating, traveling, and DIYs, combining her love of creativity with quality time spent with loved ones. Angela also holds an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Florida Metropolitan University, and she is known for her ability to integrate hands-on safety training with strategic oversight, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and teamwork in every role she undertakes.
• CPR Instructor
• Florida Metropolitan University - AS, Criminal Justice and Corrections
• Girl Scouts Life Member
• End-Stage Hospice Volunteer
What do you attribute your success to?
I've always been determined, and if somebody says no, you can't, I say watch me. This segment in oil and gas is predominantly male run, and they treat women like they did historically - this is no place for you, they tease you, it's the 'go make us coffee' kind of thing. But as I've grown, most of my security team is women now. We've learned that they prefer now to have us there because we bring a softer side. We're not as aggressive as the guys, we can be bullied less, and we get more cooperation. So we're finding that we are more welcome, and not only that, we're paving a whole new path for women actually working in the field, doing the completions or the field work side by side. Watching how they interact is really cool. My determination to prove that women belong in this industry, combined with my passion for safety and accountability, has been the key to my success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I was very interested in safety, but I was working in a field where those things didn't matter. A friend I confided in looked at me and said, 'I think if you went towards the energy sector, your passion could be better put to use.' That advice completely changed everything. I said alright, I'll give this a go, and I started in the security teams and grew into the safety part of it. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I can't believe how well it incorporated everything - I get to teach from the medical aspect and utilize that education, there are so many parts and pieces that I get to pull from. That one conversation opened up a path where I found my true passion.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say don't be scared of what history has painted. Jump in, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. For every one person that is stuck in the "what was", there are going to be 5 that are going to welcome you and want to mentor and inspire you. Being a woman doesn't discount you; it doesn't lower your value. This industry is still predominantly male, but slowly, more women are paving a whole new path. So don't let the history of this industry scare you away - just jump in.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge from my perspective is that women in this industry are often steered into support staff roles such as HR and admin. automatically.
Women are increasingly seeking operational opportunities and not accepting the traditional push into the office.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability, strict adherence to safety rules, and ensuring that people return home safely are central values.