Joined Continental in 2010 when chief executive Harold Hamm approached him about the director of government relations position. Has since moved to his current position, where he advises corporate leaders and government representatives on energy strategy and policy.

Came to Continental with experience in both city management and state government. From 2009-2010, he was city manager for Bixby, Oklahoma; years earlier, from 2002-2004, he was economic development director and chief executive of Skiatook, Oklahoma, his hometown. In between those jobs, from 2004-2005, he worked for Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), first as Inhofe’s Tulsa field representative, and later in Washington, D.C., as counsel for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Finds the public sector “a great start” for young professionals—“and I would encourage all folks to be in it and learn, and just soak everything up. I still learn every day about this industry. This is a very complex industry, with a complex regulatory environment.” Also recommends finding a mentor.

Accomplishments: In 2004, earned a law degree at the University of Tulsa College of Law through night classes. While in Washington, worked with Army Corps of Engineers and EPA on environmental issues. “I really loved working with Sen. Inhofe, and that committee was fantastic.”

On Oklahoma’s E&P outlook: “Our regulatory climate is good, we have some great policymakers. Oklahoma’s pretty much an example of how to develop natural resources. What we’re trying to do is make sure everybody sees the example that Oklahoma’s set.”

Goals: “My goals, from our area of the company—government and regulatory affairs—is simply to remove regulatory and political obstacles that are preventing folks from doing their jobs.”