Her Story
About Teri
Teri Payne is a seasoned energy industry professional with more than three decades of experience in petroleum, wholesale fuel marketing, logistics, and business development. A graduate of Siena College with a bachelor's degree in Finance and Financial Management Services, she began her career immediately after college and steadily advanced through roles spanning dispatch, terminal operations, wholesale sales, pricing strategy, and account management. Throughout a career shaped by industry acquisitions, she built extensive expertise while serving organizations including Griffith Energy, Energetics, Superior Plus, Sunoco, and most recently Reid Petroleum Corp., where she continues to help customers navigate the complexities of today's evolving energy market.
Known for her analytical mindset and pragmatic leadership style, Teri specializes in developing wholesale marketing strategies, optimizing pricing models, improving operational efficiency, and building long-term customer relationships. She believes that understanding the history and mechanics of the energy industry is essential to making informed decisions about its future. Throughout her career, she has embraced innovation, including leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline workflows and improve productivity, while remaining committed to mentoring the next generation of professionals and sharing the institutional knowledge gained over 33 years in the field.
Outside of her professional life, Teri places family at the center of everything she does. She credits much of her success to the influence of the strong women in her life, particularly her mother and daughter, whose resilience and determination continue to inspire her. She enjoys horseback riding with her mother, hiking, gardening, landscaping, and traveling with her husband and friends, with a memorable trip to Bali among her favorite adventures. Teri encourages young women entering the energy industry to remain authentic, pursue work that genuinely fulfills them, and define success on their own terms rather than by outside expectations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Teri
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong and resilient women who have influenced my life, especially my mother, whose strength and determination continue to inspire me. I also credit my daughter for teaching me the value of embracing my emotions through her openness, which has contributed greatly to my personal growth. I find inspiration in the people around me, including my sisters-in-law, and sisters I chose as friends both old and new whose support and perspectives continue to motivate me and allow me to forever allow my vision of how see the world and the beauty and hope that exists within it and inspires me to strive for its betterment as well as my own.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a mentor who recognized my potential and invested in my growth. As an accomplished businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, he encouraged me to keep learning, embrace new opportunities, and deepen my understanding of the energy industry— One lesson of great importance was to listen to the needs of the customer first, because you don’t have a business if you don’t have any customers. His guidance that has had a lasting impact on my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay true to themselves, follow their own path, and remain open to opportunities that align with their values and aspirations. Pursue work that brings you genuine happiness and fulfillment, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been adapting to AI. What initially seemed like a challenge has become a valuable opportunity, allowing me to streamline tasks, improve efficiency, and focus more of my time on high-value work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is the value I hold most dear in both my work and personal life. I’ve learned that time with loved ones is irreplaceable, so I strive to maintain a healthy balance and cherish every moment I share with them.
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