Sulphur, La. – April 22, 2025 – In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery paid tribute to the outstanding contributions of TeamCITGO during the W.A.V.E. (We Are Volunteer Employees) recognition event, where Technical Analyst Mike Gray was honored as Volunteer of the Year for his exceptional devotion and volunteer efforts in 2024.

Mike Gray exemplifies the spirit of TeamCITGO beyond the events supported by the company. He selflessly dedicates his time to support and advocate for individuals with disabilities. As a father of two children with special needs, he works with local organizations to improve lives and create opportunities for those in need. “For my wife Lindsey and me, volunteering with Special Olympics is truly fulfilling,” Gray shared. “Helping others achieve their next step, guided by love and compassion, gives hope for the future. Seeing our daughter, Meredith, embrace these invaluable lessons at such a young age fills me with immense pride. I am honored to work for a company that fosters this spirit of giving.”

Over the past 38 years, TeamCITGO has built a reputation for dedication and community support in Southwest Louisiana. Through steadfast involvement in local initiatives and meaningful causes, TeamCITGO continues to prioritize the needs of the community, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless residents.

Sterling Neblett, Vice President and General Manager of the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery, shared: “Our volunteers demonstrate the very best of what it means to give back to the community. Whether they’re planting trees to preserve our environment, distributing food to families in need, mentoring individuals on their career paths, or cheering on participants at local walks and runs, their efforts have a meaningful and lasting impact on those around them.”

TeamCITGO’s influence stretches across the boundaries of the refinery gates, reaching organizations and causes such as:

  • United Way of SWLA: Advancing essential services and fortifying the community.
  • CITGO Caring for our Coast: Safeguarding and restoring natural treasures for future generations.
  • Calcasieu Parish Schools, McNeese State University, and SOWELA Technical Community College: Nurturing educational growth and fostering future leaders.

TeamCITGO volunteers continue to actively support the Southwest Louisiana community through important acts of kindness. Their work fosters significant improvements and lasting change for the organizations and individuals they serve.

TeamCITGO Volunteer of the Year, Mike Gray (left), along with his wife Lindsey and their daughter Meredith, proudly cheer on their sons Zander and Derek at the annual SWLA Area Special Olympics Spring Games.

About CITGO
CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry and operates under the well-known CITGO brand. CITGO owns and operates three refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Lemont, Ill.; and Corpus Christi, Texas, and wholly and/or jointly owns 42 active terminals, eight pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,300 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 807,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO ranks as the fifth largest and is one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products, and supplies a network of approximately 4,000 locally owned and independently operated branded retail outlets, all located east of the Rocky Mountains. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc.