Dick Vande Bossche
Vice President of Operations; ONEOK Rockies Midstream
If you ask anyone who works with Dick Vande Bossche what sets him apart, you’ll hear the same thing: integrity, dedication, and heart. As Vice President of Operations for ONEOK Rockies Midstream, Dick isn’t just leading large-scale operations across Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, he’s building a culture rooted in care, community, and personal connection.
Born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Dick describes his childhood playground as “wild and wide open,” a fitting backdrop for someone whose career has spanned four decades in the energy industry. He moved to Sidney, Montana in 1981 and never looked back, planting deep roots in both his profession and the community.
Though he first gravitated toward the mining industry, working three summer internships in mineral exploration, Dick found his calling in oil and gas. “The opportunity to join a midstream gathering and processing company allowed me to apply my education while staying true to the values I was raised with,” he says.
At ONEOK, Dick oversees a wide-ranging team that handles everything from daily operations to engineering and government relations. His leadership style is direct and grounded; he empowers employees, advocates fiercely for their work-life balance, and never misses a chance to mentor the next generation. “The variety keeps it exciting,” Dick shares. “And I get to work with some of the best people in the business who also want to make a difference in their communities.”
His impact extends far beyond pipelines and processing plants. Dick is a familiar face at community events, local board meetings, and youth sports activities. He’s especially passionate about supporting initiatives through ONEOK that promote employee volunteering and meaningful community engagement.
Those close to him say Dick always puts people first. Whether it’s making sure funding reaches local programs or championing causes his grandkids care about, his commitment is constant. “He makes everyone feel like family,” a nominator said. “He’s not just a leader in title – he lives it every day.”
Married to his wife Jill for 39 years, Dick takes immense pride in his family. Their two children, Jerred and Hailee, and five grandchildren are at the center of his world. “Sometimes the lines between work and home get blurry,” he admits, “but my family always helped me regain perspective. They’re my greatest accomplishment.”
In his downtime, Dick enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, and traveling with his family. He also continues to give back through civic and company-sponsored volunteer work, including past service on the Sidney Health Center Board and local youth sports boards.
For Dick, success has always been about balance – between leadership and listening, work and home, operations and outreach. And after more than 40 years in the industry, it’s clear: he hasn’t just built a career. He’s built a legacy.