Beverly Mills
Beverly Mills is a seasoned Pipeline Operations Supervisor at Mid-Alaska Pipeline, bringing more than 29 years of experience in the oil and energy industry. With a strong foundation in instrumentation and operations, fire systems, fiber optics, and corrosion inspection, she has built a career grounded in technical expertise and leadership. A graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage with degrees in both Process Technology and Petroleum Technology, Beverly combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience to deliver operational excellence in one of the most challenging industries.
At Mid-Alaska Pipeline, Beverly oversees the daily operations, maintenance, and safety of pipeline systems, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Her role extends beyond supervision—she develops and implements operational procedures, manages multimillion-dollar pipeline projects, and troubleshoots complex technical issues to optimize system performance. Prior to her current role, she held key positions with organizations such as Santos Ltd., Chugach Alaska Corporation, Wood, and CITGO Petroleum, where she advanced her expertise in regulatory compliance, safety management, and pipeline control operations.
Throughout her career, Beverly has been recognized for her ability to adapt in a dynamic and evolving industry. She is passionate about continuous learning, mentoring others, and collaborating with diverse teams to drive innovation and safety. With a proven record of managing large-scale projects and navigating federal and state regulatory requirements, she remains committed to ensuring that Alaska’s critical pipeline infrastructure operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably for years to come.
• Certified Control System Technician Level 2
• Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems 2
• Special Hazards Suppression Systems 2
• Fiber Optic Installer
• Fire Alarm Systems 2
• Industrial Instrumentation 2
• University of Alaska Anchorage -AAS
• Eastern Kentucky University -FPSET
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, hard work, and the example set by my father, who introduced me to the oil and gas industry when our family relocated to Alaska with ARCO. I began my career as a stick picker and spent 17 years in corrosion before proving that women could excel outdoors in roles once thought too demanding. From there, I advanced into instrumentation, fire and fiber optics insulation, and later became a pipeline controller with CITGO, all while earning my petroleum technology degree and raising my daughter. After returning to Alaska following my father’s passing, I transitioned into oil and gas construction, which ultimately led me to my current leadership role. I am proud to have built a career while balancing motherhood, education, and full-time work, and to have opened doors for other women in the industry.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my college counselor, who told me, “Use where you are as a fallback don’t look for the fallback.” At the time, I was focused on finding the easiest path or staying in what was familiar, but that guidance pushed me to look forward instead of settling. I’ve carried those words with me throughout my career, and they continue to inspire me to pursue growth, embrace challenges, and keep progressing
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the oil and energy industry continues to be achieving equal wages for women. While I am fortunate to now be paid the same as my male counterparts, that hasn’t always been the case. In prior roles, despite holding the same certifications, education, and experience, I was still paid less. Women in this field are just as talented, intelligent, and qualified as men, yet disparities in pay persist. I see this as both a challenge and an opportunity to continue advocating for equity, ensuring that future generations of women in energy are recognized and compensated fairly for the value they bring.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, and hard work. I believe in being transparent and trustworthy in every interaction, holding myself to the highest ethical standards, and putting in the effort required to achieve excellence. These values guide the way I lead, collaborate, and make decisions, and they have been the foundation of my success throughout my career and life.