Key Points

• Jenn Buzaleski, Senior Director of IT Refining at Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC), has led transformative technology initiatives that have improved operations efficiency and safety throughout the organization
• Buzaleski's leadership style emphasizes partnership and collaboration, driving initiatives at MPC like a refining safety app, virtual models of refinery operations and ePermitting.
• She is also focused on mentoring future leaders and is actively involved in community service through Mission Possible.

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Jenn Buzaleski, Senior Director of IT Refining at Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC), is a leader who exemplifies dedication, innovation and a passion for developing others. Based in Findlay, Ohio, Buzaleski has been with the company since 2002 and has made significant contributions to the IT and refining sectors during her career.

Buzaleski's journey began with a double major in Management Information Systems (MIS) and Economics from Miami University in Ohio. In 2007, she earned her Master of Business Administration remotely from Indiana Wesleyan University while living overseas in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, where she worked for six years before Marathon Petroleum became an independent company in 2011. It was then that she took her first role in leadership. She recalls being opposed to going into management in the beginning, because she had the wrong perspective of what it was.

“I thought being a manager was pushing papers,” said Buzaleski. “My mentor at the time asked me why I wanted to stay in a technical role. I said I really like helping people and solving problems. They asked me, 'What do you think people leadership is? It’s solving problems and helping people.’”

She’s grateful for the push and the opportunities that have come her way. Her career at MPC has been marked by a series of impactful roles, each contributing to her broad understanding of IT, its applications in refining, and how to enable people to do their best work.

“As refining advances, it is becoming much more dependent on technology,” said Buzaleski. “We aren’t just going back to a computer at a desk to input data. There’s more mobile technology to use where you are on site. We are collaborating with operators, maintenance teams and leaders to determine what they need and what they will use.”

Buzaleski's leadership style is characterized by her commitment to partnership and collaboration. She works closely with refining teams to align various initiatives and projects.

Gopal Chakrabarti, Senior Director of Digital Transformation at MPC, has worked with Buzaleski for more than a year. He describes Buzaleski as an outcome-oriented leader who excels at building relationships and getting things done. He highlights her ability to bridge gaps and drive innovation within the organization.

“Jenn and her team were a big part of helping drive a portfolio view of the Refining Digital program,” said Chakrabarti. “Until that point, there was no consolidated view of the full portfolio, spend profiles, accountabilities and returns. Her leadership, and specifically her and her team’s collaboration with business partners, helped bring a consolidated view and accelerated our ability to align priorities and drive transparency.”

“It’s exciting to see how we can make digital transformation a reality. It’s happening and I get to be a part of it. All of the change that is happening in technology helps us do different and unique things in our business.”

Buzaleski's impact extends beyond her immediate team. She has been a driving force behind several digital initiatives, including the Marathon Refining Safety App that puts safety in the hands of people at the refinery. The team is also supporting the implementation of ePermitting that moves the process from paper to digital and digital twin, which is bringing data from disparate systems together in a meaningful way. These projects will not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance safety and reliability.

“What excites me the most is seeing digital transformation become a strategic commitment at MPC,” said Buzaleski. “It’s exciting to see how we can make digital transformation a reality. It’s happening, and I get to be a part of it. All the change that is happening in technology helps us do different and unique things in our business.”

Betsy Buckley, Director of IT Refining, shares that Buzaleski's leadership has been instrumental in driving a consolidated view of the Refining Digital program. Buckley said that Buzaleski's communication and collaboration skills have been key to achieving transparency and alignment on priorities.

Buzaleski also focuses on mentoring and growing future leaders in the IT organization at MPC.

"As an experienced leader, Jenn provides support to mentors and individual contributors looking to develop and strengthen their leadership skills,” said Buckley. “This is a fantastic way to build the digital leaders of tomorrow and shows employees that we care about investing in their success."

Buzaleski's advice to others looking to grow in their careers is to embrace continuous improvement and not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones. She believes in the importance of understanding the business from all angles and contributing to making it better.

Outside of work, Buzaleski is on the board of directors for Mission Possible, a nonprofit organization that supports schools and churches in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. She’s volunteered for several international mission trips and loves seeing different cultures and finding ways to help others.

With a steadfast commitment to innovation, collaboration and the growth of others, Buzaleski continues to inspire those around her while leaving a lasting impact on MPC and the communities she serves.