MIKE DAVIS, President & CEO, BlackHawk Energy Corporation
Mr. Davis is President & CEO of BlackHawk Energy Corporation, a Federally Chartered Corporation (aka Jicarilla Apache Energy Corporation) wholly owned by the 100% Shareholder interest of the Jicarilla Apache Nation. BlackHawk operates oil and gas production in the San Juan Basin in New Mexico, which includes operations within the Jicarilla Apache Nation that covers over 1 million acres of land located in the San Juan Basin in northern New Mexico.
BlackHawk acquired all oil and gas assets previously owned by Black Hills Gas Resources that are located in the San Juan Basin of northern New Mexico.
JESSICA EAGLE-BLUESTONE, Geologist-Energy Scientist- Community Engagement- Tribal Energy
Jessica Eagle-Bluestone, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, is the Tribal Community Engagement Manager at Geothermal Rising. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geology and a graduate degree in energy engineering. Her work focuses on policy, advocacy, and education to expand tribal participation in geothermal energy. She also serves on the boards of the Tribal Energy Consortium and the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum.
ROBERT GEORGE, Principal, Ulysses Petroleum Management
Bob George has over 50 years experience in the international oil and gas industry. Most of this has been in an international consultancy based at various times in the UK (where he is originally from), Singapore, Dallas, and Houston where he has resided for the past 20 years. Much of the past 30 years has been spent in advising on commercial negotiations and asset / transaction valuations, in providing expert services in international arbitrations, and in advising Sovereigns in negotiations and license promotion of oil and gas contracts. Countries or States he has advised include Alaska, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Perhaps the most unlikely, albeit one of the most interesting to have to visit, was the Republic of Palau in Micronesia, Western Pacific.
GREG GUEDEL, Ph.D., J.D., Guedel Strategic Law
Dr. Greg Guedel is the founder of Guedel Strategic Law and assists governments, businesses, and Indigenous communities with economic development and strengthening institutions. His research on economic development has been published and cited by leading media sources including The Economist, Bloomberg, Business Week, Newsweek, and National Public Radio. He conceived and drafted the groundbreaking Model Tribal Energy Code, which empowers Native American Tribes to self-govern their energy resources and is the author of the book Strategies and Methods for Tribal Economic Development – Creating Sustainable Prosperity in Native American Communities. Prior to his legal career, Greg served as a Combat Engineer Officer in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Armored Division, 4th Infantry Division, and 81st Infantry Brigade.
PETER HASTINGS, VP of Regulatory, Quality, and Public Affairs, Kairos Power
Mr. Hastings leads teams responsible for licensing and permitting activities, safety analysis and probabilistic risk assessment, quality assurance, and government affairs. Mr. Hastings’ background includes work as a reactor engineer, design engineer, manager in safety assurance and performance assessment. He earned his G.C. in Nuclear Engineering from North Carolina State University. He is a registered professional engineer in North and South Carolina.
TODD LEAHY
Regional Director, North America
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
Albuquerque, NM
PAUL MOOREHEAD, Principal, Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC
Paul Moorehead is a principal in Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville’s Indian Tribal Governments Group.
His practice is dedicated to Federal Indian law and policy, including appropriations, commercial transactions, energy and natural resources development, gaming, healthcare and telemedicine, housing and infrastructure development, tribal self-governance, taxation, and Indian land and water rights settlements.
DAVE MUTH, Director of Capital Markets, Peoples Company
Dave leads the Capital Markets team as the Director of Capital Markets by overseeing asset management strategy and execution, integrating technology into workflow processes, and publicly representing the company through industry presentations. He utilizes his extensive experience with farmland investing and operations across the United States to acquire and manage investment grade assets on behalf of clients and capital partners. Dave is responsible for ensuring assets are managed according to investment structures as well as optimizing farm revenue potential and mitigating risks when possible. David is trained as a mechanical engineer, earning his PhD from Iowa State University. He spent the first several years of his career building technologies in advanced biofuels in partnership with the US Department of Energy. In 2013, he co-founded AgSolver, Inc in Ames, IA.
EDUARDO PEREYRA. Ph.D., F.H.”Mick”Merelli/Coterra Energy Chair Professor in Petroleum Engineering, The University of Tulsa
Eduardo Pereyra is a professor at the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering and associate director at the Fluid Flow Project (TUFFP.org) and Horizontal Wells Artificial Lift Projects of The University of Tulsa (TUHWALP.org). Eduardo holds two B.E. Degree, one in Mechanical Engineering and one in System Engineering, from the University of Los Andes, Merida, Venezuela. He received his Master’s and Ph.D. Degree in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Tulsa. His research interests are multiphase flow and its application to transportation, flow assurance, artificial lift, multiphase measurements, and separation technologies. He is one of the TU faculties associated with the University of Tulsa North Campus Research Facilities. This campus contains unique facilities and state-of-the-art instrumentation for energy-related research.
ERIC PERNER, P.E.,COO, Rebellion Energy Solutions
Eric is a licensed Professional Petroleum/Mechanical Engineer in Oklahoma with over 15 years of experience in the petroleum industry, specializing in drilling, production, and cement quality in high-temperature, high-pressure wells. He co-developed a patent-pending orphan well plugging process, called “The Rebellion Method”. Eric also operates the Double P Ranch in Mounds, Oklahoma, recognized as a “bird friendly” ranch by the Audubon Society for his use of holistic ranch management and native grassland restoration; in addition, he serves on the Noble Research Institute’s Producer Panel for scaling regenerative agriculture training and research. He earned his B.S.M.E. from the University of Tulsa in 2006 and is currently the COO of Rebellion Energy Solutions.
BUFORD POLLETT, J.D., Associate Professor of Energy Law & Commerce, The University of Tulsa
Buford Boyd Pollett is a licensed attorney in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia. He is also a licensed geoscientist in Texas and a proctor in maritime law. Pollett is the Genave King Rogers Assistant Professor of Energy Law and Commerce at The University of Tulsa. He brings more than 20 years of domestic and international legal experience, serving his clients at the senior counsel, manager, and director level.
Pollett’s energy experience includes work with Eni (the Italian National Oil Company), Wilson Offshore & Marine, McDermott, Technip, Entergy, Amoco, Texaco, Nabors, and a Shell-Exxon joint venture in Germany (BEB Erdgas und Erdöl). He has degrees in geology from the University of Georgia, a Master in International Business Management from Pepperdine University, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans.
BRAXTON REDEAGLE, Director – Language Dept., Osage Nation
Braxton Redeagle leads the Osage language revitalization efforts as the director of the Osage Nation Language Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, as well as a graduate certificate from Kansas State University. Before assuming the role of director, he worked as a certified teacher and taught Osage language community classes. He has also served on the Pawhuska Public Schools Board of Education, recently finishing his term as vice president. Before moving into the field of education, he worked in social services and received the Profession Excellence Award as a manager/supervisor in the Eastern Region. Mr. Redeagle grew up in Pawhuska, where he currently resides with his wife and children and is a member of the Waxakolin district. He also belongs to multiple tribes and currently serves on the Quapaw Nation Culture Committee as well. He graduated high school from Holland Hall and considers Tulsa to be his second home, so he is happy to welcome everyone to the great city of Tulsa.
JOHN D. ROGERS, PhD, PE, Technology Manager, US DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory
He holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from New Mexico State University, as well as an M.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Texas Tech University Lubbock. Rogers also holds a Professional Engineer (PE) license. As Technology Manager, Rogers oversees the strategic and technical direction and implementation of the Advanced Remediation Technology portfolio of programs (ART). ART consists of three R&D subprogram areas of Environmental Prudent Stewardship (EPS), water management technologies (WMT), and gas hydrates programs at NETL and ensures government funding is obligated in a timely and fiscally responsible manner. During Rogers’ career, he has held diverse roles in federal and local government, university R&D, and non-profit and industrial private sectors where he primarily focused on responsible resource recovery. Rogers has held positions as a Senior Production Operations Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Industrial Wastewater Control Supervisor, Project/Program Manager, and Vice President of Operations
KAYLA ROWAN, Director of Energy Management, Peoples Company
Kayla serves as the Director of Energy Management at Peoples Company, bringing over 20 years of experience in the energy and land industry. She has worked with a diverse range of mineral and land owners, including individuals, financial institutions, trusts, non-profits, and universities, overseeing properties across the country. Kayla is passionate about delivering a best-in-class client experience by leveraging innovative technology, industry expertise, and a client-focused approach. She collaborates closely with the Peoples Comp any team to develop customized strategies that help clients maximize the value of their mineral assets. Kayla earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Communication from Oral Roberts University. She is a Registered Landman and Renewable Energy Certificate Recipient through the American Association of Professional Landmen.
MIKE STAFFORD,P.E., Asst. Professor of Practice, The University of Tulsa
Mike is a Registered Professional Engineer (Oklahoma) and prior to coming to the University of Tulsa practiced Petroleum Engineering for 37 years in wells Ultra-Deep as well as in shallow wells in the MidContinent, Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain Regions. His experience includes reservoir, drilling, production, mid-stream operations and regulatory affairs. He earned his BS degree in Petroleum Engineering at The University of Tulsa in 1981 and worked in major and independent oil companies from 1981 – 2000 as well as operated Stafford Engineering, PLLC from 2000 – 2015. Mike is currently Assistant Professor of Practice at TU. He is a member of SPE, is currently a Board Member for the MidContinent Section of SPE and is a Steering Committee member of the Section’s bi-annual SPE-IOR Conference, an international conference held here in Tulsa. He is also a member of Society of Petrophysical Well Log Analysts (SPWLA) and serves on the Sustaining Oklahoma’s Energy Resources (SOER) Education Committee.
CHIEF STANDING BEAR, Principal Chief, Osage Nation
Geoffrey Standing Bear is the Principal Chief of the Osage Nation. Now in his third term as Osage Nation Principal Chief, he continues the work of protecting and enhancing the Osage culture, language, and lands. Before his election, Chief Standing Bear practiced law for 34 years. He concentrated on federal Indian law. He served as Assistant Principal Chief of the Osage Tribe from 1990 through 1994 and was a Member of the Osage Nation Congress from 2010 to 2014. While a practicing lawyer, he was involved in the first Indian gaming cases in Oklahoma. He also was General Counsel to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. In 2017, Chief Standing Bear was recognized by Oklahoma Magazine as an Oklahoman of the Year for his leadership of the Osage Nation. He received his B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law. He sees the Osage Nation expanding its land base, maintaining its vibrant traditions, and returning the Osage language to daily use. His belief is that this and much more can be done through the power of the Osage child, and it is, therefore, the duty of all his people to protect and nurture the children of the Nation.
NICHOLAS STUART, Mgr Director Energy Investment & Corp. Banking, KeyBanc Capital Markets
Mr. Stuart delivers strategic advice to oil & gas clients and has executed nearly 100 advisory and capital markets transactions for upstream companies. Prior to joining KeyBanc in June of 2012, Mr. Stuart was a Vice President in the Energy Investment Banking Group for Stifel Nicolaus for six years. Mr. Stuart began his career with KPMG LLP’s audit practice in Washington, DC, where he covered a variety of sectors, including natural resources, for four years. Mr. Stuart earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business.
ARVIN TRUJILLO, Navajo Nation Tribal Relations Mgr, Navajo Transitional Energy Co. (NTEC)
He is located in Farmington, NM. In his capacity as the Tribal Relations Manage, Mr. Trujillo works closely with the Navajo Nation as well as other Tribes to educate and advance projects important to NTEC while developing good working relationships with Tribes along with local, State and Federal agencies. Mr. Trujillo has an extensive background in energy and economic development and has held technical and managerial positions in Tribal government, non-profit organizations, and mining and utility companies. During his career, Mr. Trujillo has been the recipient of the International Economic Development Council’s Silver Award in Regionalism & Cross-Border Collaboration, the Arizona Public Service Company’s Chairman’s Award, the Council of Energy Resources Tribes’ Mary G. Ross award and the US Department of Agriculture’s Cooperator of the Year award. He has also received letters of commendation from the US Bureau of Reclamation, the Governor of New Mexico, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and the President of the Navajo Nation. Mr. Trujillo received his undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University and did his graduate work at the Pennsylvania State University.
CRAIG WALKER, Director, Dept of Natural Resources, Osage Nation
Craig works with various landowners, businesses, and Federal, State, and Tribal agencies to address environmental and natural resource issues facing both the communities and operations of the Osage Nation. After nearly a decade of working as an Environmental Project Specialist, Craig has implemented and supported a multitude of programs in oil and gas, water quality and conservation, wildlife, ecotourism, and agriculture. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Ecology, and Management from Oklahoma State University.
JEREMY WESTPHAL, JD, Land Manager, Fervo Energy
Mr. Westphal is a seasoned land management and geothermal energy professional with extensive experience in leasing, title examination, and resource negotiations. As the Land Manager at Fervo Energy, he plays a pivotal role in securing land agreements, managing production allocations, and ensuring compliance with intricate federal and private land regulations. Holding a law degree and having served as both a title attorney and landman, Jeremy has spearheaded large-scale acquisitions in the oil & gas and geothermal sectors. His expertise encompasses strategic land development, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder engagement, effectively bridging the gap between industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and landowners to promote sustainable energy initiatives.
*Speakers are listed in alpha order by last name. Speakers, presenters, agenda subject to change