Dr. Michele Harmon began her career working for two Fortune 500 companies, then transitioned back to education serving as a middle school teacher and administrator, and worked as a director in three large urban school districts in Texas serving as the Director of Special Programs, Human Resources, and Career and Technical Education.
Matt Gabriel is the CEO and founder of XRI, a leader in sustainable water recycling and management solutions for the energy industry. With a background in law and venture capital, Matt transitioned from investor to entrepreneur, co-founding several high-growth companies. Under his leadership, XRI has formed strategic partnerships and transformed into one of the largest water recycling companies globally. Matt’s innovative approach to water usage has revolutionized the energy sector. He holds a Juris Doctorate from Vanderbilt University and actively serves on its Board of Advisors.
Dr. Michele Harmon began her career working for two Fortune 500 companies, then transitioned back to education serving as a middle school teacher and administrator, and worked as a director in three large urban school districts in Texas serving as the Director of Special Programs, Human Resources, and Career and Technical Education.
Ben Shepperd has served as President of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association since 2006, representing oil and gas interests in Texas and Washington, D.C. With over 20 years of experience in legislative and regulatory affairs, Ben has worked with state agencies and served on various committees, including the Texas House Energy Resources Committee. He holds degrees from UT Austin and Texas A&M University and plays an active role in advisory boards at UT Permian Basin, contributing to the region’s energy and economic development.
Max Wright is a seasoned Midland civil trial attorney with extensive experience in oil and gas and personal injury litigation. Licensed in Texas and New Mexico, Max is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and actively involved in various legal and community organizations, including the Texas Association of Defense Counsel and the Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference. He holds degrees from SMU, Sam Houston State, and the University of Texas School of Law. Max continues to contribute to both the legal profession and the Midland community through his practice and leadership roles.
Steve Melzer is a consulting engineer in Midland, Texas specializing in CO2 injection projects, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture utilization and storage, reservoir properties and horizontal well reservoir depressuring projects.