Lauren Germinario started in the industry as a receptionist, worked her way up to the position of landman
and helped establish the land department at NNOGC, which is owned by the Navajo Nation. She works closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Navajo government to secure regulatory approval. She also leads the company’s multidisciplinary business development team to diversify assets. “Our main goal working on the reservation is helping everyone understand that we are not out to ruin Mother Earth, and that
what we’re doing is helping to supply more resources to the tribe and to the people and make a better life for everybody.”

Accomplishments: Increased the number of projects threefold by transforming the cycle time for ADP submission and approval from almost two years to three to six months. “My team and I have done a major push to
create relationships with regulators. So when they see our stuff, they know that we mean business, and as soon as we get it, we’re going to drill it.” Active in many industry boards, committees and community activities, from the Denver Association of Professional Landmen to Toastmasters. Holds a bachelor’s from the University of Oklahoma.

On networking: “I think networking is very important, especially with e-mail and Facebook and all of these things that give us an opportunity to not interact face-to-face. You just have to show up.”

Goals: Beyond making NNOGC a more prolific player on the reservation, working to set standard terms for Navajo leases. “I’ve been working with our general counsel and chief executive officer on establishing standard lease terms that will be retroactive through our leases. This will not only help cut down on the approval time for the leases, but allow all operators who work with the Navajo Nation to receive more economic terms.”