United Way honors Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay refinery with two awards

Community News

Galveston Bay, Texas, Foundation, environment
Eight people standing together in front of a United Way banner.
Galveston Bay refinery VP of Refining Dave Leaver holds the Silver Award in the Industrial Division (More than 400 Employees), recognizing the generosity and commitment of the entire Galveston Bay team. He is joined by fellow Marathon Petroleum employees, including Iman Montgomery, Senior Community Investment Representative, and Justin Lawrence, Galveston Bay refinery Human Resources Director.

Key Points

  • Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay refinery was recognized with two awards at United Way Galveston County Mainland’s annual Thank You Luncheon, celebrating the refinery’s generosity and commitment to the community.
  • The refinery’s fundraising efforts earned the Silver Award in the Industrial Division after helping raise more than $200,000 for United Way in 2024.
  • The refinery also received the Power of Partnership Award for providing a $100,000 disaster relief grant following Hurricane Beryl.

Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay refinery was honored with two awards at the 70th annual United Way Galveston County Mainland Thank You Luncheon in February, which celebrated seven decades of community impact and collaboration.

The refinery received the Silver Award in the Industrial Division (in the category for more than 400 employees) recognizing the generosity and commitment of the entire Galveston Bay refinery team. Through collective efforts by employees and Marathon Petroleum’s company match program, more than $200,000 was given to the local United Way in 2024 alone.

Marathon employees hold an award beside people from United Way.
Iman Montgomery, Senior Community Investment Representative at Marathon Petroleum, holds the Power of Partnership Award, which honors individuals and organizations that exemplify collaboration and service by leveraging their resources, skills, and relationships to further United Way’s mission. She is joined by fellow Marathon Petroleum employees, including Dave Leaver, Galveston Bay refinery VP of Refining, and Justin Lawrence, Galveston Bay refinery Human Resources Director.

"The team at Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay facility is a generous group, always finding ways to support the communities we serve," said Leslie Ornelas, CEO of United Way Galveston County Mainland. "Whether through personal contributions or countless volunteer hours, it's a big number every year and every year it makes a big difference."

"Being recognized at this milestone event is truly an honor, but the real reward is seeing the impact we can make when we come together."

In addition to the Silver Award, the refinery received the Power of Partnership Award, which honors individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to extend their resources, skills and relationships in support of United Way’s mission.

That support was on full display in 2024 when the refinery provided a $100,000 disaster relief grant to help the community recover following Hurricane Beryl.

Galveston Bay refinery VP talks to United Way Galveston County Mainland CEO in front of an uprooted tree.
Shortly after Hurricane Beryl hit the Gulf Coast in July 2024, Galveston Bay refinery VP of Refining Dave Leaver met with United Way Galveston County Mainland CEO Leslie Ornelas to present a $100,000 donation for local disaster relief.

"Hurricane Beryl impacted all of us. At Marathon Petroleum, it's always been about more than just talk. It’s about action and showing up when it matters most," said Dave Leaver, VP of Refining at the Galveston Bay refinery. "Being recognized at this milestone event is truly an honor, but the real reward is seeing the impact we can make when we come together."

Ornelas said the Power of Partnership Award reflects the refinery’s ongoing commitment, especially during times of crisis.

“This award truly represents this team as they continue to show up for our community in ways that matter,” she said. “Of course, the grant dollars they provide are critical, but these awards also speak to how they roll up their sleeves, step in when it counts and stay committed to making a real difference year after year.”