2026 Presenters
Dana Dean
Director, Utah Division of Oil, Gas, & Mining
Bio Coming Soon
Jake Garfield
Deputy Director,
Utah Office of Energy Development
Coming Soon.
Jefferson Moss
Commissioner, Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development
Jefferson Moss was appointed by Governor Spencer Cox in May 2025 to serve as commissioner of Utah’s Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Moss was previously the Associate Commissioner of Innovation, Commercialization and Economic Development at the Utah System of Higher Education and Managing Director of the Utah Innovation Fund. In this capacity, he led USHE’s involvement in the major economic development efforts and was responsible for overseeing the strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations at the Innovation District at The Point and coordinating innovation efforts throughout Utah. Moss also served as AVP of central advancement at UVU and the COO for the UVU Foundation. In these positions, he launched the UVU Wolverine Fund, a student-run venture capital fund, and the Excellence and Innovation Initiative. Prior to UVU, Moss served as a wealth strategist at Key Bank and Credit Suisse and launched several successful businesses. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young University. He also served in the Utah House of Representatives as well as on the Utah State Board of Education and the Saratoga Springs City Council and Planning Commission.
Rikki Hrenko-Browning
President, Utah Petroleum Association
Rikki Hrenko-Browning is the President of the Utah Petroleum Association (UPA). UPA is a Utah based, statewide petroleum trade association representing companies involved in all aspects of Utah’s oil and gas industry focused on the responsible development of Utah’s natural resources and manufacture of fuels that drive Utah’s economy. Prior to leading UPA, Rikki lived in Estonia and came to Utah as the CEO of Enefit American Oil, the Estonian company’s oil shale project in Eastern Utah. Rikki has a Masters in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon and an undergraduate degree in botany and environmental science. She has been appointed by the Governor to the Utah Watersheds Council, the SITLA Nominating Committee, serves on DNR’s Endangered Species Mitigation Fund, the US Global Leadership Coalition, and other boards and advisory panels. Rikki was honored as a Utah Business 2020 Woman of the Year and in their 30 women to watch series in 2014.
Dan Brooks
Land Manager, Uinta Basin & North Texas,
Crescent Energy
Mr. Brooks is a seasoned Land & Business Development Professional with experience across the entirety of the Land/Business Development functions. He has extensive experience with Tribal, Federal, State, and Fee ownership. Mr. Brooks began his career on contract with BP America, later joining El Paso/EP Energy where he navigated change and took on roles of increasing responsibility over the subsequent decade. Mr. Brooks joined Crescent Energy Company in 2022. Mr. Brooks is currently Land Manager and Community Liaison focusing on the Uinta Basin. He also had the privilege of leading the Crescent Barnett Land Team until and through its recent divestiture of the asset. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashley, boys, Everette and Dean, fishing, golfing and enjoying family time. He and his family attend RPC Church in Missouri City, Texas.
Matthew Cooper
CEO, Finley Resources
Matthew has been with Finley Resources since 2006. Prior to serving in his currentcapacity, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of Finley Resources. He hasoverseen the acquisition and divestment of more than $1B of oil and gas properties and worked most of the major producing basins in the United States. In addition, Matthew is a partner and officer of Uinta Wax, LLC, Wildcat Midstream LP, Natural Pozzolan Resources, LLC, Barstow Land and Cattle, LLC, HLR Oil & Gas, LLC, HLR Investments, LLC and several other Finley real estate holding companies. Matthew holds a JD from Texas A&M School of Law and a BBA-Finance from the University of Mississippi. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and was named one of Oil & Gas Investor’s “20 under 40” Rising Stars in A&D.
RJ Jenkins
SVP, Uintah Basin Unit,
SM Energy
Bio Coming Soon
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Lucas Martin
SVP Engineering & Development,
FourPoint Energy
Lucas Martin is the SVP of Engineering and Development at FourPoint leading the integration of subsurface and operational teams to optimize development in the Uinta Basin.
Prior to joining FourPoint Energy, Martin served as the Development Director for Marathon’s Oklahoma and North Delaware Asset, as well as the Director of Integrated Performance. Martin started his career at Apache Corporation where he held engineering and leadership roles across various North American assets. Throughout his career, Martin has been part of or led teams focused on multi-discipline integration to optimize development strategies to align with business goals.
Martin holds a BS degree in Petroleum Engineering with a minor in Geology from Texas A&M University.
Jason Pearce
Co President & COO,
Uinta Wax
Bio Coming Soon.
Nick Tunnell
VP Operations
Scout Energy Services
Nick Tunnell joined Scout in 2012 and currently serves as Vice President of Operations, where he is responsible for asset operations across the company's North Division. Nick earned his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Marietta College in 2006 and has 20 years of industry experience, spanning both operations and business development. He began his career at Merit Energy Company working operations in Wyoming, North Dakota, and Utah, where he was responsible for waterfloods, conventional oil and gas operations, coal bed methane production, and gas processing facilities. He later transitioned to Merit's acquisition team, evaluating both asset purchases and divestitures. Nick then joined Legend Natural Gas as a production and completions engineer, supporting Barnett Shale operations in North Texas. Since joining Scout, Nick has held a variety of engineering and leadership roles, contributing across all areas of operations. Nick is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and currently serves on the Executive Committee for Utah Petroleum Association (UPA) as well as on the board for West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association (WSCOGA).
Dr. Laura Nelson
Regional Engagement Lead-Utah
Idaho National Laboratory
Laura Nelson serves as Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL’s) Regional Engagement lead in Utah. Nelson provides leadership, collaboration and engagement to advance INL’s vision through partnerships that deliver results in response to regional, industry, and community energy and economic objectives. Nelson has a deep understanding of energy landscapes in Utah and the Western region, having served as the energy advisor to two Utah governors — Jon Huntsman Jr. and Gary Herbert — and through her work on regulatory, public policy and stakeholder engagements. Nelson is a recognized energy leader and economist with 20-plus years of experience in energy and natural resources, driving clean energy and sustainable solutions. Before joining INL, she served as the vice president of Sustainability and External Affairs for Southwest Gas, a natural gas distribution and energy service company providing service to over 2.3 million customers across three states. As the sustainability officer, she led the Southwest Gas’ sustainable business practices, customer engagement and public policy initiatives. In her career, Nelson has been driven by creating a sustainable energy future for everyone and served in roles and boards that allowed her to engage on key energy initiatives. She served as the vice president of consulting services at Strategen, the chair of the Western State Energy Board, vice-chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and was a member of the INL Energy, Environment, Science and Technology Strategic Advisory Committee. She has also served as a policy advisor to public utility commissions and other senior level corporate and board positions throughout her career. Nelson holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Utah and
resides in Holladay, Utah, with her husband.
Gard Clark
Defense & Government Solutions Lead
Natura Resources
Gard Clark serves as Executive Advisor, Strategy & Government Affairs at Natura Resources, where he advises the executive leadership team on corporate strategy, government engagement, strategic partnerships, and long-term growth initiatives. As a trusted advisor to company leadership, he represents the company in selected engagements, coordinates cross-functional efforts on assigned activities, and advances priorities that support the commercialization and deployment of Natura's advanced nuclear technology. Drawing on four decades of experience in nuclear operations, program management, defense, and government affairs, Clark provides strategic counsel informed by leadership roles across both the public and private sectors. A retired U.S. Navy captain, he served 31 years in the Navy, including command of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Dallas (SSN-700) and service as a Department of Defense major program manager. Following his naval career, he joined Teledyne Brown Engineering, where he retired as senior vice president after leading the company's commercial and government nuclear and chemical business portfolio.
Dr. Jeremy Pearson
Director, Utah Advanced Nuclear and Energy Institute
Dr. Jeremy Pearson serves as the Director of the Utah Office of Energy Development’s Utah Advanced Nuclear and Energy Institute where he works with Utah universities, Idaho National Lab and industry to research and commercialize groundbreaking energy technologies including nuclear, fossil, hydrogen, battery, water and other technologies. Dr. Pearson received an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering in 2002 from Brigham Young University and worked in manufacturing and process development at Amgen prior to returning to school to pursue a graduate degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. During his graduate work, Dr. Pearson studied the backend of the nuclear fuel cycle and used nuclear fuel recycling. In 2015 Dr. Pearson worked in Senator Hatch’s office as a AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering fellow advising the office on science and energy policy and briefly as an Energy Security Fellow for SAFE (Securing America’s Future Energy). Following his time in D.C. Dr. Pearson moved to Utah to work as a Development Scientist at Red Leaf in the fossil fuel industry pursuing economical solutions to synthetic fuels development, and served for three years as director of the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. Dr. Pearson is from Los Angeles California and has enjoyed the mountains and outdoors in both California and Utah.
Dr. Tim Kowalchik
Research Director
Utah Office of Energy Development
Tim Kowalchik serves as Director of Research at the Utah Office of Energy Development, leading technical research and policy analysis for the State on the technologies, infrastructure, and institutions shaping the future energy system, including Operation Gigawatt and Utah's Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. His work focuses on bridging technical research and public policy to better understand complex energy challenges and emerging technologies. Tim holds a Ph.D. from the University of Utah, with a technical foundation in multiphysics modeling and advanced energy storage technologies.
Shannon Kang
Consultant and Community Engagement Liaison
Envoy Public Labs.
Shannon Kang is a Project Manager at Envoy Public Labs (EPL). She is managing the statewide Public Education and Community Outreach campaign for the Utah Office of Energy Development. Previously at EPL, she supported several Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy initiatives, conducting policy research and providing stakeholders nationwide with information on advanced nuclear technology. Shannon holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Purdue University, with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in Public Policy.
TBD
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Seth Lyman
Director and Research Professor, USU Bingham Research Center
Dr. Lyman has a doctoral degree in Environmental Science and Health from the University of Nevada, Reno, and his expertise is in atmospheric measurements, instrumentation, and analysis. Seth currently serves on the board of directors for Healthy Communities of Northeastern Utah and the Utah Air Quality Board.
Bryson Hull
VP, Strategic Communications,
HBW Resources
&
Vice President,
Western States and Tribal Nations
Bio Coming Soon.
Jonathan Stearmer
Bio Coming Soon
Rep. Christine Watkins
Utah House District 67
Christine was born and raised in Cache Valley. Living in Lewiston she helped her Grandpa Hyer haul hay, thin and hoe sugar beets, and milk cows. She graduated from high school in California and quickly returned to Utah State University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Christine has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the U of U and three Special Education Endorsements from BYU. She taught school in Castle Dale for 20 years and then left to work for the Utah Education Association. Christine has had the honor to serve rural Utah in the Legislature from 2009-2012 and again since 2017, with encouragement and support from her belated husband, John. She loves representing this part of the state and fights hard for our priorities and values. She supports our oil, gas, and coal industries and understands the importance of rural economic development needed to preserve our way of life and combat the challenges we face now and in the future. As a former educator, she supports our teachers and understands the importance of providing the highest quality education to rural Utah's children. In addition to her committee assignments, Christine serves as House Chair of the Native American Liaison Committee, on the Child Oversight Panel, and as a board member of the Castle View Hospital in Price. Christine loves living in rural Utah and appreciates and values the lifestyle living here affords. She and her husband lived happily together for many years on 2.5 acres in Carbon County. She currently lives in the same home with a son. She loves her chickens and their eggs and enjoys planting, growing, and preserving her veggies.
Senator Ron Winterton
Utah Senate District 20
Sen. Ron Winterton joined the Senate in 2019 and represents District 20, covering Daggett, Duchesne, Summit, Uintah and Wasatch counties. Sen. Winterton chairs the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee. He also serves on the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee, the Senate Rules Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee. Sen. Winterton spent 35 years as a truck driver, a career that taught him the value of hard work and connecting with people from all walks of life. His desire to give back led him to serve as County Commissioner, where he discovered his passion for public service. Now as a State Senator, he continues to focus on helping his community solve problems and grow responsibly. When he’s not at the Capitol, he works with a civil consulting firm and enjoys staying close to the people he represents. Sen. Winterton firmly believes he would not be successful without the support of his wife, Lori Jo, their five children and 19 grandchildren.
Curtis Wells
Chairman, Utah CIB Board
Bio Coming Soon
Jack Lytle
Commissioner, Daggett County
Bio Coming Soon
Greg Miles,
Commissioner,
Duchesne County
Bio Coming Soon.
Nate Zilles
Community Development Advisor, Uintah Basin Association of Governments
Bio Coming Soon
Ken Campbell
Director, Vernal Regional Airport
Bio Coming Soon
Stephanie Carter
Vice President of Marketing and Communications, UBTech
a marketing leader with over 15 years of experience driving branding, communications, and recruitment strategies. As Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech), she plays a pivotal role in advancing the President’s 2030 vision and strategic goals.
A proud UBTech alum, Stephanie has led transformative initiatives including the rebranding from UBATC to UBTech, the launch of the college’s first app, and the introduction of Utah’s first technical college mascot—boosting student pride and engagement. She also spearheaded the redesign of UBTech.edu and built a strong social media presence backed by data-driven analytics. Stephanie is a key contributor to a statewide committee representing 16 higher education institutions, where she collaborates on campaigns that elevate the value of technical education across Utah. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and recently earned her Master of Science in Management Leadership. Stephanie and her husband, Chris Carter—who works in the oil and gas industry at California Resources Corporation (previously known as Berry Corporation) —are proud parents of two daughters. They enjoy life in the Uintah Basin and are passionate about community involvement, often found cheering at archery tournaments or dance competitions.
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Koda Allred
a proud UBTech graduate who earned certificates in Tire & Lube Technician, Maintenance and Light Repair, and Construction Technology. His commitment to excellence earned him the distinction of being named UBTech Student of the Year for 2023-2024. Today, Koda works for Allred Paving in rotomilling and dirt hauling and carries on a family tradition as a fourth-generation asphalt paver.
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Angela Howard
Talent Acquisition Manager, BHI
Angela Howard brings a decade of human resources leadership to her role as Talent Acquisition Manager at BHI. She specializes in sourcing top-tier candidates aligned with BHI’s core value of growth, directly strengthening team performance and long-term retention. Dedicated to advancing the recruitment function, Angela modernizes hiring frameworks to significantly reduce time-to-fill and cost-per-hire while maintaining an uncompromising standard for talent quality and individual career progression. Angela has lived in Vernal for 13 years. She has 4 kids and 5 grandkids.
Devin Morgan
Sr. Manager, HR Business Partner, Savage
Devin Morgan is a Senior Human Resources Business Partner with Savage, supporting their Energy and Mineral Services operations across multiple regions in the United States and Canada. In his role, Devin partners closely with operational leaders to address workforce strategy, talent acquisition, employee relations, safety, organizational development and the evolving workforce challenges facing the energy industry. Devin has more than 20 years of experience in human resources and has worked across energy, manufacturing, construction and other industrial environments. He holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Devin is particularly passionate about finding practical solutions to the workforce challenges facing the energy industry, including recruiting and retaining skilled workers, developing the next generation of leaders and connecting people strategy directly to operational performance.
Strayden Olson
Bio Coming Soon
Jon Cox
Principal, Lincoln Hill Partners
Bio Coming Soon
Heidi Bredenholler-Prasad
President, Enbridge Gas - Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho
Heidi Bredenholler-Prasad is an executive with a proven track record of successful leadership in energy, projects, and innovation. Delivering value and committed to excellence, Heidi is a forward thinker, strong communicator, and problem solver of highly complex issues. As President, Enbridge Gas Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, Heidi is accountable for the operations of the gas distribution business in the West – from commercial and residential growth to field operations in support of the business’ 1.2 million customers. Heidi joined Enbridge in 2008, after launching her career at Lafarge 10 years prior. At Enbridge, Heidi has led various teams in Major Projects across the globe, including Calgary, Houston, and Hamburg Germany – where she led the execution of Enbridge’s two German offshore windfarms. Heidi has also held roles in Strategy, Finance, and HR – where she led the Culture Change and Engagement work for the Enbridge- Spectra integration. Heidi joined Enbridge Gas in Toronto as VP Engineering and Integrity, and subsequently led the growth and strategy of the business as Vice President, Commercial, Strategy, and Business Development for North America’s largest natural gas utility – 7.2 million customers across Ontario, Ohio, North Carolina, Utah and Wyoming. Heidi holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Architecture) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba and completed her MBA at Queen’s University.
Ryan Midgett
Chief Financial Officer,
Koda Resources
Bio Coming Soon
Chase Sheffield
Chief Operating Officer,
Creekstone Energy
Bio Coming Soon
Curtis Wells
Board Member,
Utah Energy Council
Bio Coming Soon.
Interested in speaking at a future Basin Energy Summit?
Contact the Uintah County Economic Development Office.
435-781-6767