Karen Wright, CEO of Ariel Foundation, has been bestowed with the prestigious title of the 2024 Oilfield Patriot by the Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA).
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Wright's career, recognizing her tireless advocacy and enduring influence.
Established in 2006, the Oilfield Patriot award is an annual recognition by the OOGA, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the oil and gas sector.
Accompanying the announcement, a video encapsulated Ariel Corporation's journey under Wright's stewardship, highlighting her unyielding commitment to industry leadership and advocacy.
Rob Brundrett, President of the OOGA, emphasized Wright's dedication to the energy sector.
"She has never shied away from being an industry leader and advocate for the natural gas industry, regardless of the noise that's going on," Brundrett said in the video.
Brundrett further commended Wright's resolute advocacy.
“She’s been able to carry that message unlike any others in the state of Ohio. And the way she has been able to advocate for a variety of interests, really make her stand out amongst her peers in the business community and really in the oil and natural gas industry,” Brundrett said.
The video chronicled Wright's egalitarian approach in fostering dialogue among Ariel Corporation leaders and highlighted her leadership during economic downturns and times of crisis, including the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy.
Wright's leadership and dedication underscored her influence as a transformative figure in the industry.
“I remember her saying that her work and her preparation as a mother really prepped her for this job. And, she has that warmth and friendly demeanor about her. But there's that assertiveness and there's that demand that you're going to be responsible. We expect that out of you,” Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said in the video.
Starr noted the importance of Ariel to the local community.
“Ariel is the top employer in Knox County, and so that's a lot of people that are given the opportunity to earn a living, learn, grow and, get involved in the community. So we look forward to even more prosperity and more opportunities in the future,” he said.
Wright grew up in the company and was employed by Ariel from 1980 where she served as President and CEO from 2001 until 2021 when she handed the reins over to her son, current CEO and President Alex Wright.
Alex Wright noted his mother’s influence in the industry.
“My living memory, the company's gone through some pretty radical changes,” Alex Wright said in the video.
Ariel quadrupled in size during Wright’s 20 year tenure atop the corporation.
It leads the international market in reciprocating separable natural gas compressors manufacturing.
Wright spends much of her effort now in local philanthropy in Mount Vernon through The Ariel Foundation, which she founded in 2009.
She has been called “Mount Vernon’s Guardian Angel” for the work she does in the community.
Wright was inducted into the OOGA Hall of Fame in 2022, alongside her father, Ariel founder Jim Buchwald.
Buchwald, who died at age 94 in 2022, founded what became a multi-billion dollar business from a workshop in Mount Vernon.
Ariel Corporation now employs around 1,200 who work in the energy industry.
