History is often measured in big moments, but those moments usually begin with one person stepping into a place no one quite like them has occupied before.
That is happening now on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Marissa Badenhorst has been named director of Chevron’s Pascagoula and Pasadena, Texas, refineries, making her the first woman in history to lead the Pascagoula Refinery.
It is a milestone worth celebrating, particularly as women continue to make their mark in industries and leadership positions that were once largely occupied by men. But for Badenhorst, this new chapter is about more than being the first. It is also a return to a place and a community she already knows well.
Badenhorst previously served in leadership roles at the Pascagoula refinery, where she developed an appreciation for the people who work there and the community surrounding it.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Pascagoula from my time there—great people, strong contractors and a community that looks out for each other,” Badenhorst said. “As director of Chevron’s Pascagoula and Pasadena refineries, I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundation already in place.”
Returning to Pascagoula
Badenhorst brings years of experience to the position.
Before taking on her new role, she served as Chevron’s Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer. Her career has also included leadership positions in engineering, operations, maintenance and reliability across the globe, giving her experience in many sides of the energy industry.
Still, she isn’t returning to Pascagoula assuming she has all the answers.
She plans to start by listening.
“My first 90 days will be about listening and learning—in the units, in the shops and with teams across both sites,” Badenhorst said. “Trust is built by showing up, asking good questions and following through.”
It is a straightforward approach to leadership, and one centered on something that never really goes out of style: people.
Badenhorst believes strong organizations are built when employees feel respected and heard, and when they know their ideas have a place at the table.
“At our best, we listen to different views and don’t get defensive when our assumptions get challenged,” she said. “That’s how we land better solutions and build a team where people feel safe to contribute.”
That willingness to listen also extends to innovation. Badenhorst wants employees to feel comfortable bringing forward ideas, asking questions and looking for better ways to do things, while keeping safety as the clear boundary.
“People need to know their ideas won’t get laughed off or dismissed,” she said. “We should reward smart experimentation that moves the business forward, with one clear line: we never experiment with safety.”
Being the First — But Not the Last
There is no overlooking the significance of Badenhorst’s appointment.
For young women considering careers in science, engineering, skilled trades, manufacturing or energy, seeing a woman at the top of an operation like Chevron Pascagoula matters. Sometimes seeing someone else get there first makes it a little easier to imagine yourself there, too.
And Badenhorst has a message for those young women.
“I hope my journey reminds young women that leadership isn’t about fitting a mold,” she said. “It’s about showing up, doing the work and having the courage to keep learning.”
Perhaps that is one of the best things about a historic first.
Yes, someone’s name goes into the history books. But the path also becomes a little wider for the people coming behind them.
Now, after a career that has taken her into leadership positions around the world, Badenhorst is returning to Pascagoula to lead a refinery, workforce and community she already knows.
She will forever hold the distinction of being the first woman to lead Chevron’s Pascagoula Refinery.
But if the women watching her are any indication, being the first may ultimately matter most because she won’t be the last.
