Marla Carlson grew up in Verdigre, Nebraska, the daughter of the town’s Medical Doctor and the oldest of five siblings. She left Nebraska to attend college at Florida Institute of Technology pursuing a Chemical Engineering degree. Shell Oil Company hired Marla and she started her career in Research and Development in Houston. She was transferred into Lubricant sales and marketing as a field technical engineer. Shell then moved her to Southern California where she completed the Executive MBA program at the University of California - Irvine. Marla retired from Shell but continues to work in the Petroleum Industry as a Director of Sales and Marketing for West Direct Oil.

Marla has three children, one son and two daughters. Brian and his wife Melodee, their two daughters; Shelbee and Aubree, and Shelbee's husband Kayden all live in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Daughter Mallory and her husband Kyle live in San Diego, daughter Brittany, and her husband Justin, and children Parker and Charlotte live in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Family is most important to Marla, who arranges family gatherings and reunions as often as possible.

Marla is also very involved in the community both personally and at work. She has been on the Board of Directors for the California Fuel and Convenience Alliance for the past 8 years serving as President for the last 2 years. Marla is a member of the Saddleback Assistance League and was a Presidential Associate for Loyola Marymount. She has served on the Board of Directors for Allied Oil, The Society of Lubrication Engineers, the American Petroleum Institute, National Petroleum Refiners Association and the Orange County Philharmonic Society. Marla was also a Troop Leader for Girls Scouts and a Softball coach for her daughter’s team.

While at Shell Marla was designated as a mentor for young women identified as emerging leaders. She prides herself on being able to serve as a role model and be a trusted advisor to many.