S4E6: The Reality of Oil & Gas Supply Chains with HF Sinclair VP Tom Johnson

What does it take to keep a refinery running when the world won't stop throwing curveballs?In this episode, Ted Stank and guest co-host Lance Saunders speak with Tom Johnson, VP of procurement at HF Sinclair, an independent petroleum refiner with operations throughout the mid-continent, southwestern and Rocky Mountain regions. Recorded live at the Supply Chain Forum, the conversation pulled back the curtain on one of the more essential and misunderstood industries in the global economy. Among the topics discussed were why surety of supply—not cost—is the 3 a.m. concern keeping procurement leaders awake, and how the Strait of Hormuz closure and ongoing geopolitical volatility are rippling through petrochemical supply chains in ways consumers never see. Johnson also discussed the crude oil import-export paradox and how refinery infrastructure dictates crude "diets," the rise of data analytics as a seat at the operations table, how tariffs stress-tested supplier relationships and exposed the limits of sub-tier supply chain visibility, and what the skilled trades shortage means for heavy industrial operations.Johnson is a UT Knoxville SCM alum who has spent his entire career in oil and gas, previously holding roles at Valero and Holly Frontier. He oversees a procurement organization of approximately 100 professionals managing roughly $2 billion in annual spend, including labor, plant inventory, and category management.The episode was recorded live at the Supply Chain Forum on April 22, 2026.Related links:Save the date for the Fall Supply Chain Forum, Nov. 10–12Download free white papers from UT expertsBecome a GSCI partner to learn, network, and recruit with the top supply chain education institution in North America Join the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative to explore advanced concepts in SCM with top industry experts and scholars  Follow GSCI on LinkedIn  Subscribe to GSCI’s monthly newsletter   Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!