2025 Distinguished Executive Alumnus Award Brian Coffman

For Brian Coffman (MBA ’84), the words “Never stop exploring, accept every challenge” aren’t just a motto —they’re the foundation of a lifetime of leadership. It’s a philosophy he and his wife Lily, his high school sweetheart, have embraced throughout their 48-year marriage. From modest beginnings to a global journey marked by 20 relocations, four children, and a distinguished 40-year career in the oil and gas industry, the Coffman’s have lived in pursuit of growth, adventure, and the courage to say yes to every opportunity.

In recognition of this spirit, and a career marked by ethical leadership and dedicated service to the Huntsman School of Business, Brian Coffman was honored as the 2025 Distinguished Executive Alumnus at an awards luncheon held last spring in Huntsman Hall. Surrounded by his wife Lily, three of their four children, and members of the Huntsman community, Coffman reflected on his career and the lessons he learned along the way.

“From an associate analyst sharing my first office with a copy machine in a division copier room to the role of CEO, it has been one thrilling and extraordinary ride,” he said.

Coffman’s career has been defined by adaptability, courage to seize opportunities, and steadfast support from his family. He gives Lily credit for embodying a spirit of exploration that enabled him to accept and succeed in challenging roles that took them all over the world, including Venezuela and the United Kingdom.

Most recently, Coffman was President and CEO of Motiva, a US-based refining, marketing, and petrochemical company with revenues of $40 billion annually. He led the acquisition of the Flint Hills Resources Ethylene business based in Port Arthur, Texas to enter the petrochemical market and launch international trading. Here he oversaw record-setting safety and reliability performance at North America’s largest manufacturing complex. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles at Andeavor and Phillips 66.

Another important aspect of Coffman’s life is his eight years of service in the US Air Force. He calls it “the best thing that could have happened to me after high school.” He said the Air Force helped him quickly understand discipline and teamwork — beneficial lessons he never forgot.

Coffman’s professional journey started at Utah State University (USU) as an MBA student seeking employment in 1983. Coffman described that year as a time of steep recession with few recruitment opportunities. But through MBA program contacts, he took a fateful job interview with Conoco over the phone and says, “the rest is history.”

“I had no idea how going to work for an oil company would alter the trajectory of my life and my family’s life so profoundly,” he said. “And it all started here at USU, in the MBA lounge!”

Coffman said during his career he was always energized by the opportunity to lead within an industry that is vitally important for the security and health of the US and world. Except for his time on active duty with the US Air Force and the Air National Guard, Coffman spent his entire 40-year career in the energy industry. He found purpose in leading employees who took on new challenges in a dynamic environment.

Coffman shared valuable lessons learned from his career:

1. Demonstrate resilience and adaptability. He encouraged students entering the workforce to be ready to embrace new roles and new location assignments.
2. Accept big challenges and learn. Each new position Coffman accepted, he found uncertainties but said dedication to on-the-job learning yielded successful outcomes.
3. Networking is invaluable. When navigating unfamiliar roles, identify trusted advisors, mentors, and knowledgeable peers for guidance. Develop a network and mentorship plan in each new role for accelerated career advancement.
4. Build a reputation as a problem solver and leader who drives improvements. Coffman said a simple recipe for driving improvement as a leader at any level is to set high expectations, communicate them effectively, measure key performance indicators often, and hold organizations accountable.

And finally, Coffman believes it is important to give back. He and Lily regularly contribute to their endowment at the Huntsman School, providing scholarships for business students. In addition, they support key initiatives such as the Small Enterprise Education and Development (SEED) program, the Huntsman Golf Classic – which benefits the Young Alumni Scholarship Fund – and the college-wide experiential learning campaign. Since 2023, Coffman has also shared his time and expertise as a member of the Huntsman School’s National Advisory Board.

Grateful for the opportunity to give back, Coffman reflected on his own beginnings. Growing up in Santa Paula, California, he recalls his parents instilling in him the values of hard work and self-reliance. These principles have guided his life, and he feels grateful to live in a country where pursuing one’s goals is possible.

“I am the son of a pipe fitter and an elementary school cafeteria supervisor, and from a family where college was not talked about or given much thought,” he said. “Reflecting on significant personal and family growth from modest beginnings instills gratitude and inspires giving back, and a desire to make a difference.”

Brian and Lily Coffman have made a lasting difference at the Huntsman School of Business. Their legacy will continue to resonate with and empower Huntsman students — reminding them that with hard work and bold ambition, they too can dare mighty things.