National Practice Leader - Gas, Deloitte MarketPoint

Affiliation and years of experience in energy and/or environment:

I’ve worked for the past 25 years in consulting, focusing primarily in energy and related issues. I am currently the natural gas practice leader for Deloitte MarketPoint. The predecessor company, Altos Management Partners, was acquired by Deloitte four years ago. It’s been great working with Deloitte’s global network of professionals and clients. What drew me to energy was the confluence of economic, societal, and geopolitical forces all at play in energy markets. It is fascinating to see how energy economics are shaping the geopolitical landscape and even give hope to nations. I worked on an energy project on one of my first assignments for a consulting firm after graduate school. I’ve been at it ever since.

Any particular achievement/interest in energy/environment you would like to mention?

I recently had the honor of testifying before a Congressional panel on LNG exports. It is exciting to be in the midst of a major upheaval in the industry as shale gas has turned everything upside down. I’m not sure the hearings accomplished anything, but it was quite an experience in any case. Oh, I also had an opportunity to work on a project for MidAmerican Energy, which is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Company. My kids aren’t too impressed by anything I’ve done professionally, but they were excited to hear that Mr. Buffett reviewed one of my presentations.

In your opinion, what are important issues facing the energy industry nowadays?

I think it is communicating complex issues to the public and law makers in an environment that is increasingly politicized and polarized. We have a star culture in which celebrities are given platforms to speak about issues in which they are really unqualified. Politicians use issues to their own advantage. I know it’s always been this way to a degree, but it seems much worse now. It’s difficult to see how sound, economic decisions to complex problems can be made in this type of environment.

How long have you been a member of NCAC? Any particular NCAC memory you would like to share with us?

I’ve only been a member for four years, but I’ve been a member of USAEE on and off for a long time. I hope to be more involved in the future, but it is really difficult with my travel schedule. I really enjoy the dynamics of the NCAC gatherings. We have a wide range of experiences and affiliations. Of course, we get to talk about the most interesting issue: energy!