The Honorable Francis R. Fannon was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the inaugural Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources.
In serving as "America's Energy Diplomat," Frank led whole-of-government initiatives around the world to open markets, and build resilient supply chains. By partnering with governments and companies, Frank and his team advanced major energy and infrastructure deals worth tens of billions of dollars.
Frank elevated global awareness of the critical role that minerals play in the energy transition. He led efforts to help countries responsibly develop their mining sector and fostered more transparent metals markets. Frank established the multi-country Energy Resources Governance Initiative, which remains a centerpiece of America’s foreign policy.
As Managing Director of BHP, Frank established the company’s U.S. Corporate Affairs function. He created and led a comprehensive strategy to support the company’s evolving footprint, expand its American shareholder base, and shape its climate change strategy.
Before BHP, Frank led Government Affairs for Murphy Oil Corporation. He facilitated new country entry in multiple regions and managed crisis communications and stakeholder engagements.
Frank helped to shape American energy policy while serving in senior positions on Capitol Hill. As counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, he drafted and negotiated key sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, including the hydraulic fracturing provisions that unleashed the shale revolution. Frank also served as counsel to Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) and Pete V. Domenici (R-NM).
Frank is currently Managing Director of Fannon Global Advisors, a premier strategic consultancy helping business leaders find opportunities in the energy transition and geopolitics. He serves as a Director for Ivanhoe Electric, on the advisory boards of Standard Lithium, Nano One, and Appian Capital Advisory. Frank is a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and non-resident Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies.
Frank holds a J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law, an M.A. in International Affairs, Economics & Trade from the University of Denver Korbel School of International Studies, and a B.A. from Radford University.