SM Energy Co. named Carla Bailo an independent director on its board, according to an Oct. 10 news release.

Bailo will also serve as a member of the board's audit committee. Bailo previously served as the senior vice president for research and development in the Americas for Nissan North America Inc. and is currently the CEO of the Center for Automotive Research.

Denver-based SM Energy is involved in onshore oil and gas exploration and production in North America.