Energy Industry Analyst, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Please note your affiliation and years of experience in the energy and/or environmental field, and any particular achievement/interest in energy/environment you would like to mention.

I have been working in energy for over 20 years, and am currently an energy analyst with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, where I provide market oversight and analyze market trends for natural gas, coal, oil, and any fuel or process that contributes to or has an impact on electric generation or natural gas transmission. Prior to that I worked on several contracts with the Energy Information Administration, collecting, disseminating, and analyzing data on oil related surveys.

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

I fell into energy by chance when, out of necessity, I took an entry level job working on data collection on an EIA survey of petroleum marketers. At the time I took that job I intended to stay there for no more than a year, and move on to a career more in line with my undergraduate degree as an English major. However, I was immediately energized by how important energy availability, infrastructure, technology, innovation, and policy are to a nation and to it's people's well being. Even after years in this sector, I still get excited about energy developments, the complexity of the systems that make various forms of energy available to consumers, and by how energy related economic and political considerations shape national and international alliances, relationships, and fortunes. Virtually every major issue and development I read about has roots in historical or geographic factors related to energy.

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

The most important issue facing the energy industry is how to provide resources to a growing global population, especially given the rising living standards and energy needs in developing countries, while reducing carbon emissions. Maintaining/promoting economic growth while decarbonizing the world economies will take technological leaps as well as creative and even radical thinking regarding energy supplies, project financing, governmental policies, and perhaps most important, social and cultural adjustments. I find this not only important but also fascinating.

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

I joined the NCAC-USAEE in 2005. At the time, I was looking for ways to learn about energy topics outside what my work as a contractor entailed. I also wanted to increase my network and connect with energy professionals outside my regular circles. The NCAC-USAEE gave me the opportunity to do these things, and in the process also meet professional colleagues that have over time become friends. When I joined, I checked the box that says I would be interested in taking a more active role in the organization. A year later, Mark Lively reached out to ask me if I wanted to join the Council. Since then, I served as a council member, and also in every officer position. It has been quite a fun time thanks to the knowledgeable, warm, and friendly people who make up this organization.