Cathy McRae

Chair Women United Global Leadership Council

Retired Vice President Shell Energy Resource Company

Catherine D. McRae retired from Shell Energy Resource Company as Vice President, Capability-Deepwater, Shell Upstream Americas in 2015 after over 32 years with the company. As VP, Capability, Ms. McRae was accountable for improving, growing and sustaining Deepwater's technical capability; developing a robust technical talent pipeline where knowledge is transferred from more senior staff; and providing UA Deepwater technical assurance to projects, wells, and assets. Since joining Shell in 1983 as a Production Geologist, Ms. McRae has held numerous positions in Houston, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana, including leadership roles in Operations, Planning & Strategy, Development, and Venture Management. From 2009-2013, she was the Technical Director for Brunei Shell Petroleum (a JV between the Brunei Government and Shell), leading an organization of more than 1200 employees and 6000 contract staff. She then returned to the United States as VP, Surveillance and Technical for UA-Deepwater. 

Cathy is an action-oriented and enthusiastic individual committed to delivering and improving Upstream Oil & Gas Business. She earned a BS in Geological Engineering from Michigan Technological University (MTU) and was named an Outstanding Young Alumni in 1995. Ms. McRae is active in the United Way of Southeast Louisiana (including Chairperson-Women United, member of Board of Trustees, and member of the Tocqueville Cabinet); serves on the Presidential Council of Alumnae at MTU; supporter of Teach for America and SBP (Disaster recovery and resiliency organization committed to shrink the time between disaster and recovery); and is a member of the Women’s Energy Network, International Women’s Forum, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Society of Petroleum Engineers, and New Orleans Geological Society. Cathy has served on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Greater New Orleans.