Board Chair’s State of the Industry Address
The 2025 Annual Meeting officially kicked off with a state of the industry address from incoming Board Chair Sam Sledge, CEO & Director, ProPetro Services. Sledge emphasized that our industry’s traditional playbook no longer applies—success now depends on resilience, innovation, and proactive leadership.
“The companies that will define the next chapter of this industry aren’t just the biggest or the most aggressive. They’re the ones focused on continuous improvement, on innovating with purpose, on serving customers evolving needs, and on working together,” said Sledge.
“They’re the ones prioritizing safety, because our people are our greatest asset, technology, because innovation drives efficiency, customer service, because relationships built on mutual benefit are key to consistency and resilience, because this business will always be tough—and the strong will continue to lead.”
This is our new normal. And while the path forward may not always be obvious, that’s not something to fear—it’s something to embrace.
Thank you to our Strategic Partners and Platinum Sponsors: Chevron, SLB, NOV, GD Energy Products, Ranger Energy Services, and David de Roode Lockton Global Energy & Transportation.
Market Outlook
Thomas Jacob, SVP, Rystad Energy, shared valuable energy market forecasts including:
- Haynesville’s responsiveness to natural gas market dynamics
- Rising investor interest in Canadian LNG
- A strong long-term global outlook for natural gas
Innovation Panel
The Technology & Innovation Panel, moderated by Aaron Vakneen, Managing Director-US Energy Industry Technology Lead, Accenture, featured:
- Bhushan Ivaturi, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Enbridge
- Nicholas Larcombe, Chief Information Officer, Hess Corporation
- Pragati Mathur, Chief Digital & Information Officer, ConocoPhillips
Panelists explored how next-generation digital tools are transforming operations, from predictive analytics to the use of AI in real-time monitoring and diagnostics. They discussed the importance of refining and organizing data as the foundational step to unlocking automation at scale, and how organizations are fostering a culture of experimentation by piloting projects that become scalable enterprise models. The panel also highlighted the growing role of digital twins and IoT integration in creating smarter, more efficient operations, with strong backend architecture enabling seamless data flow and decision-making.
The session also touched on the importance of talent development and cross-functional collaboration. All panelists agreed that unlocking the full value of technology requires not just tools, but empowered people, aligned systems, and executive-level commitment. As new technologies emerge, the industry’s challenge isn’t adoption, but integration and scale.
Cybersecurity & Power Generation
Abie John, CISO, Halliburton, discussed how a robust cybersecurity posture is critical to operational continuity, citing lessons from Halliburton’s recent incident.
The Power Generation Panel, moderated by Blake McLean, Daniel Energy Partners, featured:
- Thomas Gleeson, Chairman, Public Utility Commission
- Jon Walters, President, Shepherd Power
- Robert Gaudette, Executive Vice President, President, NRG Business & Wholesale Operations
- Michael Sollee, Director of Infrastructure, Diamondback Energy
Panelists discussed the growing complexity of power demand across Texas and beyond, especially with increasing energy needs from AI data centers, industrial growth, and residential expansion. They highlighted the importance of forward-looking infrastructure planning and stressed that the pace of development must accelerate to keep up with demand.
The conversation addressed the need for flexible, dispatchable generation sources, natural gas, renewables, and storage that can respond quickly to real-time grid needs. Panelists also emphasized that while the market is shifting, affordability and reliability must remain at the forefront of public policy and investment decisions.
A key takeaway was the critical role of collaboration between regulators, utilities, independent power producers, and policymakers to ensure that the power sector can meet growing demands while maintaining grid resilience and avoiding overbuild scenarios. The panel made clear that in today’s environment, agility in infrastructure deployment is just as important as scale.
Platinum Award: Jerry Jones
EWTC proudly presented its highest honor to Jerry Jones, Owner, President, and GM of the Dallas Cowboys and majority shareholder in Comstock Resources. Jones’ early energy ventures and leadership in Haynesville shale development underscore his lifelong commitment to American energy.
“I couldn’t be prouder to receive the EWTC Platinum Award or happier to have shared this with so many tonight that have impacted our industry and continue to make it strong,” said Jerry Jones. “Football and the oil, gas and energy industry are remarkably the same and as American as America is. Risk taking, grit, determination, getting knocked down and getting back up again, and teamwork are all part of the core fiber of each. The success I’ve had with both is interconnected forever, as oil and gas has been seared into the imprint of my life almost as long as football has.”
Jones continued, “Many decades ago I only dreamed of the journey I have had. That vision for me continues to be inspired and motivated by the great future our American energy sector holds. Just like in football with the great players, coaches and business minds I’ve been associated with, I am fortunate and grateful to have stood on the broad shoulders of the members of the EWTC.”
Read the full press release here.
Awards Breakfast
Celebrating leadership and excellence:
- Emerging Executive Award: John Smith, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, FET | Presented by: Ron Gusek, President & CEO, Liberty Energy
- Community Impact Award: DNOW, accepted by Kelly Munson, Chief Administrative & Information Officer, DNOW | Presented by: Steven Anderson, President & CEO, Evolution Well Services
- People & Culture Award: Weatherford, accepted by Debra Martinez, Chief Human Resources Officer | Presented by: Megan Oberly, Vice President – Marketing & Product Management, H&P
- Chapter Champion Award: Daniel Watson | Presented by: Mark Dawson, SVP Completion & Production Division, Halliburton
We also recognized our outgoing Board and Advisory Board members for their service and leadership.
State of the Energy Workforce
EWTC Presidents Molly Determan and Tim Tarpley delivered a powerful address, reflecting on policy wins, workforce innovation, and rising global demand. Their message: American energy is on the rise.
“For decades, the oil and gas industry has been the backbone of global strength—fueling economic growth, creating high-paying jobs, and providing energy security. The verdict is in……… oil and gas is not going anywhere,” said Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley. “To thrive, we must embrace innovation, maintain and expand our role in global energy markets, and embrace the moral responsibility of providing reliable, affordable energy to a growing, energy hungry population around the world. The stakes couldn’t be higher.”
“The oilfield services sector is more than just a piece of the energy puzzle. It’s a driver of economic growth. It’s a provider of opportunity. It’s a builder of communities. And it’s full of people who are solving big challenges and delivering real results—day in and day out,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan. “By advocating for good policy, developing our people, and telling our story—we’re making progress. But we can’t do it alone. We need you. Your voices. Your participation. Your leadership. The future of energy services is in good hands—because it’s in your hands.”
Keynote: Lt. Col. Dan Rooney
Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, decorated F-16 Fighter Pilot and founder of Folds of Honor, delivered a moving keynote on service, sacrifice, and purpose—reminding attendees that true leadership is rooted in resilience and commitment to others.
Offshore & Onshore Panels
Offshore Panel
Moderated by Jim Wicklund, Managing Director, PPHB, the offshore operators’ panel brought together leaders pioneering new technologies for some of the world’s most complex energy environments:
- Brent Ozenne, CEO, Arena Offshore
- Clay Thompson, Director, GOM Operations, Occidental
- Casey Stewart, Vice President, Finance and Asset Manager, Kosmos Energy
The panelists had a healthy discussion about what partnership should look like between operators and their suppliers, and the importance of a strong OFS sector. They also explored the transformational role of data and artificial intelligence in driving offshore production efficiency, including innovations in asset integrity management using advanced imagery and algorithms. Discussions included seismic advancements to identify untapped reserves and how companies are creatively approaching decommissioning and collaboration with regulators. The panel highlighted the need for consistent investment in people and technology to extend the life of offshore fields, while remaining globally competitive.
Onshore Panel
A forward-looking onshore operators’ panel was moderated by Sal Pareja, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs, featuring:
- Wendy King, Vice President, Gulf Coast & Rockies, ConocoPhillips
- Rod Henson, Vice President, Wells, ExxonMobil
- Cody Campbell, Co-CEO, Double Eagle Energy Holdings
Panelists shared how onshore operators are leading through efficiency and adaptability. From designing resilient programs to extracting more value from mature wells, speakers emphasized the importance of strategic investment and long-term partnerships. They also called for more meaningful engagement between operators and service providers to unlock new efficiencies across operations, echoing the broader theme of redefining success through execution and agility in a high-demand, tight-margin environment.
Capital Strategy and M&A Trends
In a dynamic and competitive environment, capital strategy has never been more important. Sanjiv Shah, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Energy & Power Investment Banking at Piper Sandler, highlighted how recent waves of consolidation reflect a broader push for strategic congruence, where companies are aligning capabilities, balance sheets, and regional strengths to gain efficiencies and long-term value.
Shah underscored that companies with diversified service lines and strong cash reserves are leading the way with bold, synergistic M&A activity. This includes acquisitions focused on expanding geographic footprint, integrating complementary technologies, and building operational scale to navigate uncertain market cycles.
Permian Basin Outlook & Regional Resilience
Morgan Hebert, Director of Operations at the Permian Strategic Partnership, discussed infrastructure investments, local community engagement, and workforce development as key enablers of long-term success in the Permian.
Awards Dinner & Distinguished Recognition
The Annual Meeting Awards Dinner was an unforgettable evening honoring excellence, leadership, and lifetime achievement in the energy services sector.
Immediate Past Board Chair Scott Livingston, President of Energy Products & Services Equipment at NOV, was presented with the Distinguished Leadership Award by Board Chair Sam Sledge, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the Council and lasting contributions to the industry. During his remarks, Livingston paid tribute to past chairs in attendance, highlighting the legacy of visionaries who laid the foundation for today’s progress.
We were proud to present the following Member Engagement Awards:
- Allied Member Engagement Award: Shawn Maxson, Deloitte, for outstanding participation and insight as a valued partner.
- Industry Member Engagement Award: David Paradis, GD Energy Products, for year-round involvement, leadership, and support.
The evening culminated in the presentation of the 2025 Platinum Award to Scott Sheffield, Former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources. With over four decades of leadership, Sheffield helped shape the Permian Basin into a powerhouse of American energy production. His influence extended far beyond Pioneer, driving innovation, advocating for energy independence, and mentoring a generation of industry leaders.
The evening culminated with the 2025 Platinum Award presented to Scott Sheffield, whose decades of leadership helped shape the Permian into a global energy force.
“I thank the Council for this tremendous honor—and even more for the profoundly important work it does to enable a safe, profitable and sustainable energy industry. The organization has helped achieve United States energy independence and played a major part in the shale revolution.”
Read the full press release here.
The dinner highlighted the leadership, values, and contributions that continue to drive the energy workforce forward.
Charting the Future: 2025 Board and Advisory Board Leaders
We welcomed the newly elected 2025 Board of Directors and Advisory Board Members, representing the best of our industry. These individuals, who will serve one-year terms as Council chairs and vice chairs, and three-year terms as board and Advisory Board members, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles.
“It’s an honor to serve as Chair of Energy Workforce & Technology Council,” said Sam Sledge, CEO & Director, ProPetro Services. “Our sector continues to play a vital role in powering the world, and EWTC is a strong voice for the companies and individuals doing that work every day. I look forward to working alongside our exceptional Board and members to champion innovation, support our workforce, and advocate for the policies that keep American energy strong.”
“I’m proud to support the Council’s mission as Vice Chair,” said Ron Gusek, CEO, President & Director, Liberty Energy. “This is a pivotal time for our industry, and it’s more important than ever to advance the technologies and talent that drive energy production. Together, we’ll continue to protect the interests of our workforce, foster collaboration across the sector, and lead with purpose as we deliver reliable, responsible energy to the world.”
See the full Board and Advisory Board press release here.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Save the Date!
Join us next year for the 2026 Annual Meeting in Tucson, Arizona, on March 31 – April 1. Early Bird pricing ends May 31, 2025. Register now to lock in your rate.
Karina Erickson, Communications Director, writes about the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
