Former Boehner Aide Said to Be Eyed for Oil Trade Group CEO

The American Petroleum Institute is recruiting a former top Republican congressional staffer with financial-sector expertise to lead the oil industry trade group, according to people familiar with the hiring deliberations.

API’s executive committee has decided to recommend Mike Sommers, a chief of staff for former House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) to take the leadership role when longtime Chief Executive Officer Jack Gerard leaves later this year. The recommendation will now go before API’s full board for approval, said the people, who asked for anonymity to discuss personnel matters.

Sommers now serves as president and chief executive ...