100 Starts with ONE
The 2024 United Way campaign was a shining example of our employees living our Core Value of Service
Embodying Our Core Value of Service
Our 2024 United Way campaign was a success, thanks to employees’ support of our Core Values – more of which are showcased throughout this issue of ONEOK Journal.
At ONEOK, our Core Values inform and guide all that we do. Inclusion is especially crucial as we bring together new employees under ONE company.
As you will read in the following pages of this issue of ONEOK Journal, our Core Value of Service is evident in the ways our employees selflessly give their time and energy to make a difference. In 2024, I was privileged to be a tri-chair for the Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW)’s centennial campaign, aptly themed “100 starts with ONE.” We wanted to do something special to honor the past but to set up TAUW for the next century.
It’s a sentiment that applies to all of us as we launched our company’s United Way campaign last fall in support of more than 60 United Ways across the country. Because of our employees’ commitment and dedication to giving back, ONEOK’s 2024 campaign efforts resulted in $1.4 million raised for the United Way!
We have a long-standing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the communities where our employees live and work. As part of that commitment, we are honored to work with the United Way across our footprint to support local agencies that help meet health and human service needs.
I mentioned the TAUW campaign theme, “100 starts with ONE ,” but I would also like to point out that ALONE ends with ONE . Whether you donate your time through volunteering or make a financial contribution, ONE single act of service can make a difference in our communities and help ensure that no ONE person in need faces their hardship ALONE . Thank you for joining me in giving to United Way last fall and continuing to live out our Core Value of Service.
Another Core Value, Innovation, is evident in our use of cutting-edge technology. You will read more in this issue about our Pipeline Control Simulator, a state-of-the-art project consisting of
pipeline models simulating different operating conditions. The simulator trainings give our controllers the ability to learn and practice in a safe environment to ultimately become a consistent, reliable and optimized controller.
In October 2024, we became the managing member of EnLink Midstream and 43% owner of its outstanding common units, and in early 2025, we acquired the remaining publicly held EnLink common units. Also in October, we completed the acquisition of Medallion Midstream, which extended our value chain into crude oil gathering.
We are proud of our strong history of delivering value to all stakeholders and look forward to the opportunities ahead with Medallion and EnLink joining ONEOK as we continue to enhance our diversified and integrated platform of assets that give us significant opportunities today AND in the future.
As always, our success is rooted in our people – it is your hard work and innovation that drive us forward. Thank you for everything you have done – and continue to do – to make ONEOK the company it is today. Stay safe!
ISSUE 1 2025 CONTENTS
1 Embodying Our Core Value of Service
Our 2024 United Way campaign was a success, thanks to employees’ support of our Core Values – more of which are showcased throughout this issue of ONEOK Journal
3 100 Starts With ONE
The 2024 United Way campaign was a shining example of our employees living our Core Value of Service.
7 Low-Risk Testing Environment
The Pipeline Control Simulator is a state-of-the-art project consisting of pipeline models simulating different operating conditions for Pipeline Control Center controllers.
9 Plug Into Your Community Through Volunteers With Energy
ONEOK and its employees embody similar support and volunteer spirit through VWE, our company volunteer program.
BACK COVER How You Can Embody the Core
Value of Service
Community investments programs include volunteer opportunities, matching grants and volunteer service grants.
ONEOK Journal is published several times a year by the Communications department of ONEOK and is dedicated to providing information for and about the employees and retirees of ONEOK.
Editor:
Jason Wright Communications Consultant P.O. Box 871, Tulsa, OK 74102-0871 (or internally, Mail Drop PL-2, ONEOK Plaza) 918-732-4829 jason.wright@oneok.com
Advisers: Darren Wallis Senior Vice President, Communications and Community Relations
Becky Carver Director, Communications
Paul Parmley Director, Digital Communications and Integrated Content
Megan Washbourne Director, Communications
At ONEOK (NYSE: OKE), we deliver energy products and services vital to an advancing world. We are a leading midstream operator that provides gathering, processing, fractionation, transportation and storage services. Through our now approximately 60,000-mile pipeline network, we transport the natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), refined products and crude oil that help meet domestic and international energy demand, contribute to energy security and provide safe, reliable and responsible energy solutions needed today and into the future. As one of the largest diversified energy infrastructure companies in North America, ONEOK is delivering energy that makes a difference in the lives of people in the U.S. and around the world.
ONEOK is an S&P 500 company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
For information about ONEOK, visit the website: www.oneok.com.
For the latest news about ONEOK, find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Copyright © 2025 ONEOK, Inc.
100 Starts With ONE
The 2024 United Way campaign was a shining example of our employees living our Core Value of Service.
Teresa Heusser has grown children and remembers the struggles of raising a young family.
“I have always believed it takes a strong community to give everyone a fighting chance to survive in this world today,” said Heusser, business systems specialist in Hutchinson, Kansas.
“If I can help in any way, I will.”
She does just that as an organizer for the Reno County, Kansas, United Way campaign.
“The culture here in Kansas is very focused on community involvement, from sponsoring local events and taking time to volunteer at local schools and college fairs, plus various events in the community.”
Heusser is one of hundreds of employees throughout the company who volunteered at events or donated money to benefit ONEOK’s annual United Way campaign, which ran August 15 through October 30, 2024. The campaign brought opportunities for employees to collaborate through fundraising and service. Together, we support more than 60 United Ways within our operating footprint.
Teresa Heusser
Because of our employees’ commitment and dedication to giving, ONEOK’s 2024 campaign efforts resulted in:
• More than 3,000 volunteer hours.
• $1.4 million in companywide pledges and fundraiser proceeds.
‘Proud and Long-standing Commitment to Enhancing Quality of Life’
Of course, ONEOK’s annual campaign doesn’t magically start in mid-August and wrap up by October’s end.
“It’s a year-round program,” reminded Rose Pixley, community investments program impact manager in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “We start planning for the next campaign long before the other one is over.”
It’s more than just a laundry list of to-dos, from navigating waiting lists on golf courses to hosting tournaments to thinking ahead of leadership changeover plans for different events, Pixley explained. Many T’s to cross and I’s to dot, including debriefs following each event to learn what worked and what didn’t.
Likewise, United Way is focused throughout the year on creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life: education, financial stability and health. Employee pledges, fundraising and service empowers community-based United Ways to provide critical operational support to local nonprofit organizations by providing financial, volunteer and technology resources, allowing the nonprofit organizations to do what they do best.
Employee engagement, fundraising and raising awareness of community needs are critical to the annual campaign. The spotlight on those needs was arguably brighter this year, as it was the Tulsa Area United Way’s centennial campaign, the theme of which was “100 Starts With ONE.”
Fittingly enough, ONEOK President and CEO Pierce Norton was asked to be a tri-chair for this year’s campaign, alongside Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma’s President Stephania Grober and motivational speaker and community leader Emeka Nnaka. The three worked together to guide the campaign through its 100th year, raising visibility and advocating for corporate contributions to continue supporting thousands of Tulsans through more than 60 agency partners.
“ONEOK has a proud and long-standing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in communities where our employees and retirees live and work,” Norton said. “As part of that commitment, we continue to work with United Way to support agencies that help meet the growing and critical health and human service needs of people.”
The company’s campaign co-chairs were Andrea Cooper, vice president, treasury; and Jon Lawrence, supervisor, product management – both in Tulsa.
“I was honored to serve as a ONEOK 2024 United Way co-chair alongside Andrea,” Lawrence said. “It has been amazing to participate in ONEOK’s long-standing tradition of supporting the communities in which we operate. This year, we saw great energy from employees during the campaign. Results showed that Service remains a strong Core Value of our company. Giving as ONE is critical to the success of our company and community.”
“I’m so proud of our committees involved in planning this campaign,” said Cooper. “It has been a joy to serve as a co-chair this year with Jon, Rose and the entire committee to raise awareness and benefit the community not only throughout financial giving but also with our time and talents. What a special campaign as we serve together as ONE!”
Rose Pixley
Pierce Norton
Jon Lawrence
Andrea Cooper
Obviously, it’s more than just money raised; it’s awareness, such as through the annual Day of Caring, which saw hundreds of employees participating at 17 Tulsa-area nonprofits – including Chrissy Jennings, executive director, community investments and ONEOK Foundation.
“The Day of Caring and willingness of our employees to share their time with local nonprofits is one of the best examples of our Core Value of Service in action,” Jennings said. “Our employees showed up for a Day of Service!”
‘Strategic Approach to Identifying and Addressing Community Needs’
Keep in mind that, on top of this being a banner centennial year for Tulsa’s campaign, it was the first year ONEOK planned United Way activities since the acquisition of Magellan.
“It was two companies coming together for United Way, too,” Pixley said. “We had to find that common ground, bring two company cultures together and navigate best practices and experiences from both companies.”
It’s an opportunity the Community Investments team will prepare for again following the Medallion and EnLink acquisitions. “We look forward to expanding the campaign even further,” Pixley said.
Also important to reiterate is that this wasn’t just a Tulsa campaign – it was companywide, such as Heusser’s campaign in Kansas.
“We did an ice cream social to kick off our United Way of Reno County campaign and tried to get participation in the double match from those employees who are wanting to donate though payroll deduction,” Heusser said. “We also put together an auction for the second year. Last year was a great success, and some of the items we included were from around the plant that may have gone to the scrap yard or trash – fireproof cabinets, hardware bins, truck-bed tool bins.”
Angie Wells, community relations coordinator in Mont Belvieu, Texas, is very familiar with United Way because she used to work for the organization.
“I support United Way because, through my roles as a volunteer, donor and former employee, I’ve witnessed how effectively United Way unites donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors and nonprofits to provide vital resources to our neighbors who need it most,” said Wells. “I trust that my contributions are used where they are needed most in my community because of United Way’s thorough and strategic approach to identifying and addressing community needs with a commitment to long-term solutions.”
“We truly gave of our time, talent and treasure though this campaign,” Jennings said. “My heart is happy, and I am extremely proud to be part of this amazing group of people as a fellow employee.”
Chrissy Jennings
Angie Wells
How the United Way Helps Address Critical Needs in Our Communities
The United Way helps address the critical needs of communities across our footprint through:
• Education Initiatives: Ensuring children and youth have access to quality education and the resources they need to succeed.
• Health Services: Providing medical care, mental health support and healthy living programs for individuals and families.
• Financial Stability : Assisting families in achieving financial independence through job training, housing support and financial education.
• Basic Needs: Offering food, shelter and emergency assistance to those facing crisis and hardship.
2024 United Way Campaign Events
More than 400 employees participated in last year’s Tulsa Area United Way Day of Caring on September 13. The Fall Day of Caring provided opportunities for volunteers to participate in a wide range of community service projects for local nonprofits, schools and other community organizations. These projects included things like landscaping, painting, cleaning, administrative work or other projects that the organizations need help with. The event not only provided much-needed support to these organizations but also opportunities for employees to learn more about the important work these organizations do.
Other activities included:
• Tulsa Golf and Pickleball Tournament (September 27)
• United Way Online Auction (October 7-11)
• Houston Golf Tournament (October 10)
• ONE Rock Party on the Plaza (October 24)
Low-Risk Testing Environment
The Pipeline Control Simulator is a state-of-the-art project consisting of pipeline models simulating different operating conditions for Pipeline Control Center controllers.
Looking at his monitors to assess an emergency pipeline scenario, Jonathan East calmly identified a potential loss of pressure on the system – “maybe between Station 2 and Valve 104-001.”
“OK, got eyes on your pipeline,” Ryan Speier replied. “Don’t know about location but looks like you have a flow imbalance.”
“Looks like it’s between Stations 1 and 2,” said East, correcting himself.
“My diagnosis is agreeing with what you’re seeing,” Speier said.
At this moment, both Speier and East are confident they are seeing an unexplained pressure and flow loss on one of East’s simulated pipelines, indicating a pipeline leak. They are now going through next steps to respond to such an event.
East is a new employee being drilled on response, and Speier is conducting the drill.
“I’m going to notify my injections and deliveries,” East said as he began making simulated calls to his customers along the pipeline. “Going to have to shut down. We have some issues on our system right now.”
“Let us know when you can resume,” responded Speier, now simulating the response from customers called.
“They’re role-playing,” explained Innie Tobby, pipeline control simulation analyst in Tulsa, Oklahoma, perched behind the activity taking place.
“Everything he’s executing is what he’d do if there was an actual emergency on the pipeline.”
East, operations controller, sat in the Pipeline Control Simulation room at ONEOK Plaza. Behind him was Speier, pipeline control simulation coordinator, also in Tulsa.
Ryan Speier
Jonathan East
Innie Tobby
Tobby and Speier run the pipeline control simulator, a state-of-the-art project consisting of models simulating different operating conditions for Pipeline Control Center controllers.
“These trainings give our controllers the ability to learn and practice in a safe environment and the opportunity to become a consistent, reliable, optimized controller who understands pipeline hydraulics enough to sit down and successfully control the pipeline systems we operate,” said Jaret Pirtle, manager, gas control in Tulsa.
The scenarios provide controllers the opportunity to build desired muscle memory – not just in emergency-response situations but also when optimizing existing standard operations, like pipeline startups, shutdowns, shift change and schedule changes.
‘Great Opportunity for Standardization’
“The program simulates the look and feel of what you’d see in the Control Center during normal and emergency situations without the real consequences on actual assets,” Pirtle said.
“It’s building competence and confidence in a low-risk environment,” Speier said.
It’s also a great opportunity for standardization. “We have an opportunity to share and apply knowledge across the many pipeline systems we operate and to standardize our best practices,” said Pirtle.
The simulator trainings allow Pirtle’s team to test the fundamentals of each controller to gather data for future trainings.
“Once all controllers complete these standardized trainings, we plan to tailor future tiers to meet specific needs,” Pirtle said. “In concept, these sessions will be much shorter and designed to focus on simulation solutions.”
If a controller desires more practice on a particular pipeline startup because of complexity or the task being infrequent, “we would design the pipeline movement to focus on the various conditions and variables – planned or unplanned – that can potentially impact the decision-making for the controller,” said Pirtle.
The same concepts can be designed for other tasks, like third-party pipeline interruptions, optimization challenges, energy management or other requests impacting throughput.
“Each pipeline system is unique in the way it is operated and takes continuous time and effort to master and maintain proficiency,” Pirtle said.
‘Focusing on Brilliance in the Basics’
The simulator allows controllers to perform tasks repetitively in a low-risk environment. That helps improve performance when there are low risks. “From a supervisor feedback perspective, we’re getting synced up in the control room,” Speier said. “It’s attention to detail by focusing on brilliance in the basics, getting everyone unified.”
“One thing I gained from my visit to the simulator was how to read the SCADA screens and be able to start analyzing what is happening and how to address it,” shared Gabby Pinto Ordonez, PDP 1 in Tulsa. “The simulation program was really informative and thorough.”
Jose Ortega, supervisor, pipeline operations in Weatherford, Texas, saw the simulator this spring.
“They walked us through the critical steps of operating a pipeline from the Pipeline Control Center point of view,” Ortega said. “Our area pipeline reps really enjoyed the time and gained a different perspective on operating the system.”
In the real world, we have pipelines running in remote areas, Pirtle reminded. “We take steps to ensure these areas remain safe, and our simulation program is one of the ways we do that. That’s the beauty of what Ryan and Innie can do.
“For intentional training purposes, they can run a simulated pipeline up to its maximum design limits and beyond to demonstrate a pipeline failure,” Pirtle continued. “What happens when you take the right actions in the response and what happens if you take the wrong actions – and you actually get to see that. You get it all figured out here in the simulation room.”
Years might go by in the real control room without seeing some of the scenarios or tasks that play out in the simulator, Speier said. “But, here, you get to practice so that if it actually does happen, you’re better prepared and you know the appropriate actions to take.”
Jaret Pirtle
Gabby Pinto Ordonez
Jose Ortega
Plug Into Your Community Through Volunteers With Energy
ONEOK and its employees embody similar support and volunteer spirit through VWE, our company volunteer program.
Jessica Castellano knows the importance of giving back.
“I believe it is important to show how a few hours of your time can have positive impacts on our communities,” said Castellano, operations specialist in Mont Belvieu, Texas. Putting her beliefs in action, Castellano has volunteered for multiple events and is on the planning committee for an upcoming festival.
ONEOK and its employees embody similar support and volunteer spirit through VWE. VWE is our company volunteer program that encourages and supports volunteerism through company-approved projects and independent activity on personal time.
Volunteering is a passion for Christy Reis, project manager, engineering, and current Volunteers With Energy (VWE) committee chair in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“I enjoy being able to help and support local organizations with employees who share that same passion,” Reis said. “It speaks to ONEOK’s culture that there are so many employees excited to volunteer and that they have the support of their company in those activities.
“Service is one of our company’s Core Values, and I am proud to work for a company that lives its values by supporting employee efforts to give back to their community,” continued Reis. “It is a win-win situation. Not only does the community, charitable organization and those it serves benefit, but our engagement reflects positively on ONEOK. By working together, we can help strengthen the communities where we live and work.”
VWE opportunities abound, from participating in community cleanup events like Clean Williston in North Dakota and Keep Abilene Beautiful in Texas; to sorting pantry items at the Iron Gate food pantry in Tulsa; to helping pass out ONEOK swag and food items at this year’s North Dakota State Fair.
Wade Phelps, manager, area operations in Williston, North Dakota, volunteered for 811 One Call Day at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot. For such events, volunteers meet a wide variety of people, including landowners and other companies.
“I enjoy spending time with the public,” he said. “Sometimes, we’re just answering questions. We’re helping put a positive image of the company out there.”
And, handing out ONEOK-branded items, snow cones and watermelon made some folks happy. “It puts a big smile on my face when you make someone else smile from ear to ear,” Phelps said.
To sign up for a company volunteer project or to log independent volunteer hours on personal time for charitable organizations, employees and retirees have easy access to ONEOK Gives Back, an online, one-stop shop for Community Investments program information and participation. Do you have a suggestion for a volunteer project, or is your work team looking to volunteer? Email communityinvestments@oneok.com or reach out to your local community investments committee member, which can be found on the Community Investments SharePoint site.
Jessica Castellano
Christy Reis
Wade Phelps
VOLUNTEER SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM AND PROCESS HIGHLIGHTS
• 20 hours = $250 volunteer service grant
• Redeemable up to twice per calendar year for a total of $500 to an eligible charitable organization where you volunteered that year!
• A link will appear on the Volunteers With Energy page to apply for a volunteer service grant when you volunteer at least 20 hours in a calendar year and your hours are approved.
• Volunteer Service Grants only may be awarded to organizations where employees or retirees have recorded volunteer time through Volunteers With Energy projects or independent volunteer activity.
• Employees can log all independent hours they volunteer for an eligible charitable organization for the month in one entry instead of logging each activity as a separate entry.
• Annual deadline is January 31 of the following year.
Find out more about volunteer service grants at ONEOK Gives Back: https://password.oneok.com/cybergrants.
Employees will find a single sign-on link to the system on the homepage of ONEOK Online, the company intranet.
Retirees may visit: https://www.cybergrants.com/oneok/retiree/
2023 STATS AND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR WINNERS
In 2023, 977 volunteers contributed 13,577 hours volunteering, with an estimated value of $431,749.
Each year, ONEOK awards an employee from each of the community investments regions as a ONEOK Volunteer of the Year. Join us in congratulating our 2023 winners!
CENTRAL REGION
Richard Horton
Senior measurement technician
Lindsay, Oklahoma
256 volunteer hours in 2023
NORTH REGION
Dan Brown
Senior pipeline operator
Williston, North Dakota
323 volunteer hours in 2023
SOUTH REGION
William Hicks
Senior pipeline operator
Weatherford, Texas
255 volunteer hours in 2023
WEST REGION
Jason Black
Data and reporting specialist
Kansas (remote location)
456 volunteer hours in 2023
TULSA
Derek England
Manager, security operations
Tulsa, Oklahoma
362 volunteer hours in 2023
Post Office Box 871
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74102-0871
How You Can Embody the Core Value of Service
Community investments programs include volunteer opportunities, matching grants and volunteer service grants.
Whether you donate financially or through volunteerism, you embody ONEOK’s Core Value of Service. As you plan your annual giving, remember ONEOK’s community investments programs to maximize your charitable contributions.
Also, be sure to visit ONEOK Gives Back, our one-stop shop for all community investments programs. Employees can find it on ONEOK Online > Help > ONEOK Gives Back. Meanwhile, retirees may use this link: https://www.cybergrants.com/oneok/retiree.
Matching Grants
ONEOK supports giving back to communities by matching donations dollar for dollar to eligible charitable organizations. Current employees are eligible for matching grants up to $10,000 annually. Retirees are eligible for matching grants up to $2,500 annually.
You can make a donation by credit card directly to your favorite eligible charitable organizations, and a match request will automatically be generated for consideration.
You can also request a match for a donation you already paid directly to an eligible charitable organization by uploading proper documentation, including a donation tax receipt or the Matching Grant Form (available online).
Review the guidelines online for matching limits and to ensure your donation is eligible to be matched. You can check the
status of your donation, match and/or nomination on the bottom of the Matching Grants page in ONEOK Gives Back. Annual deadline is January 31 of the following year.
Making a United Way Pledge? Go to the United Way page during the campaign to make a pledge. The match for your United Way pledge is automatically created in ONEOK Gives Back. It does not affect your ONEOK Matching Grant program limit and should not be submitted as a matching grant.
Volunteers With Energy
Volunteers With Energy (VWE) is ONEOK’s company volunteer program that encourages and supports volunteerism through company-approved projects and independent activity on personal time.
All volunteer hours recorded and approved in ONEOK Gives Back count toward qualifying for a volunteer service grant.
Review the guidelines online to ensure your volunteer hours are eligible to be redeemed for a grant. You can check the status of your volunteer hours, grants and/or nominations on the bottom of the Volunteers With Energy page in ONEOK Gives Back.
Note: Employees do not have to use paid time off to participate in company-approved projects during scheduled work hours. However, supervisor approval is required before signing up.