Richard (Rick) W. Westerdale II, P.E., is a senior energy executive, strategist, and policy advisor with experience spanning global energy markets, infrastructure, and national security. He currently serves as Vice President at Connector Inc., leading energy, tribal, and infrastructure initiatives involving policy, finance, and execution.

Previously, Rick served as Chief Operating Officer of Vitus Energy, an integrated downstream energy company in Alaska. Earlier in his career, he was Executive Director of the Energy Futures Initiative, working with former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz on global energy security and LNG strategy, and held senior roles at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources focused on international energy diplomacy.

Rick began his career with ExxonMobil and has developed expertise across oil and gas markets, LNG, power generation, grid reliability, and energy security. Rick is widely regarded for his analytical rigor, direct style, and ability to bridge public policy, private capital, and operational reality, especially in moments of market stress or structural transition.