Stephanie McDaniel, President & CEO

Mrs. McDaniel is Graeme’s momma.  She began her career as an auditor, then worked as a Finance/Operations Analyst for 9 years in the oil and gas industry.  On 12.18.2012, the day her son Graeme was born, she found her true passion, the heart community and serving families with a congenital heart defect diagnosis.  Stephanie began fundraising for research focused organizations prior to founding The Graeme McDaniel Foundation in September of 2021.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and a Minor in Speech Communications from Louisiana State University. 

Robby McDaniel, Chairman of the board

Mr. McDaniel is Graeme’s extremely proud father. He graduated from Rice University with degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering. For over 15 years, he has been working various roles in the oil and gas industry. He began his career at BP before moving to Midstates Petroleum, Stonegate, and Western Natural Resources. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Kimmeridge Texas Gas. Along with his wife, Robby began fundraising for congenital heart defect research and supporting the heart community as a small way to honor his son.

Jerry verbout

Mr. Verbout’s career spanned over thirty years in the oil and gas sector. He held positions in research, project development, and acquisitions and divestitures with various companies including Shell Oil, Halliburton, and Duke Energy. He co-founded two gas pipeline companies, Seacrest and Gulfshore Midstream, where he also served in executive positions. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics and computer science from Bradley University and a Masters Degree in applied mathematics from Colorado State University. He also completed Rice University’s Management Program. He is married to Cindy and is the proud father of four children and the proud grandfather of Graeme McDaniel and eight other grandchildren.

 
 

Sammy McDaniel

After receiving a Petroleum Engineering degree from Louisiana Tech University in 1981, Mr. McDaniel began his career in the oil and gas industry which spanned over 37 years. He held positions in engineering, acquisitions and divestments, crisis management, and operations management during this period with large corporations like Amoco and BP and small startup companies like Midstates Petroleum Company and Marine Well Containment Company. He is a registered professional engineer. In addition to his oilfield career, Sammy has also served as a board member of the Louisiana Oilman’s Bass Classic which raised funds for Shriners Children’s Hospitals and was President of the Katy High School Athletic Booster Club for three years raising approximately $1MM to benefit student athletes at Katy High School. Sammy married his childhood sweetheart, Diana, in 1978 and is the proud father of three children and the proud grandfather of Graeme McDaniel and eight other grandchildren.

 

Josh Verbout

Mr. Verbout is a manager at a federal law enforcement agency. For nearly 20 years, he has held a variety of leadership positions with the U.S. government and is currently assigned overseas. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in History from Baylor University. He is one of Graeme’s proud uncles and father to Liv and Hazel.