Laura Parnell is a seasoned expert in ergonomics, human factors, and workplace safety with over 30 years of professional experience—23 of which were spent at ExxonMobil, one of the world’s most recognized energy companies. A dynamic leader in safety management systems, risk assessment, and hazard analysis, Laura has dedicated her career to creating safer, healthier, and more productive working environments across global operations. She is now retired and actively seeking opportunities to bring her wealth of experience and analytical insight to board and advisory roles.
At ExxonMobil, Laura held a variety of roles where she consistently delivered impactful solutions that prioritized worker well-being and operational efficiency. Most recently, she served as an Ergonomic Advisor within the company’s Human Factors Center of Excellence from 2014 to 2025. In this role, she led enterprise-wide ergonomic strategies, advised on workplace design, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate human factors into safety systems and operational planning.
Before that, she was the Ergonomic Program Administrator from 2009 to 2014, where she developed and managed programs that significantly improved ergonomics awareness, reduced injuries, and advanced preventative safety culture throughout the organization. Her earlier role as a RISKBUSTERS Facilitator at ExxonMobil’s Upstream Research Company further cemented her reputation as a leader in proactive risk mitigation, where she worked directly with engineering and research teams to identify, assess, and control operational hazards.
Laura’s foundation in science and psychology has been integral to her effectiveness. She holds a Master of Arts in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she specialized in human factors and ergonomics and participated in the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of South Alabama, where she was a member of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the earth sciences honor society.
One of Laura’s notable academic projects, titled “Postures and Related Discomfort While Using iPads: Focus on the Non-Dominant Arm and Hand”, reflects her commitment to applied research and her understanding of how human-device interaction affects physical health. This research aligned closely with her work at ExxonMobil, where she advocated for practical applications of ergonomics in both office and field environments.
Laura’s expertise is backed by a strong portfolio of endorsed skills including ergonomics, occupational health, safety management systems, risk assessment, accident investigation, and process safety. Throughout her career, she has been known not only for her technical acumen but also for her collaborative spirit and ability to lead change within complex organizations. She has delivered internal safety presentations and has been recognized for her ability to translate data into actionable improvements across international business units.
With work experience spanning Libya, Turkey, Thailand, Australia, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, and Romania, Laura brings a truly global perspective to operational safety and workforce well-being. She is highly regarded for her analytical thinking, strategic insight, and calm, thoughtful approach to problem-solving.
Now in retirement, Laura is seeking to extend her legacy of service and impact by contributing to mission-driven organizations as a board member or strategic advisor. She is particularly interested in companies within the oil and gas sector but remains open to any industry where her knowledge and perspective can drive results. Motivated by a desire to remain mentally engaged and continue learning, Laura offers a rare combination of depth, clarity, and compassion—making her a compelling addition to any leadership team or boardroom.
Character: Laura is a thoughtful, mission-driven professional known for her integrity, analytical mindset, and commitment to creating safer work environments.
Knowledge: With over 30 years of experience in ergonomics, safety systems, and human factors, Laura brings deep subject matter expertise rooted in both practical application and academic study.
Strategic: She has led enterprise-wide initiatives that align safety practices with operational goals, consistently driving long-term impact across global teams.
Communication: Laura is a clear and collaborative communicator who translates complex safety data into actionable insights, fostering understanding and engagement across all organizational levels.
