Kara Altenbaumer-Price is a securities litigator turned executive risk insurance broker. After seven years practicing law at Hughes & Luce and Andrews Kurth in Dallas, Kara decided to take a short detour to the world of executive risk consulting and insurance while she expanded her family. That detour has now lasted almost 15 years. After leaving law practice, she spent almost ten years at USI Southwest where she led the Executive & Professional Services practice. As team lead, she personally handled many of the group’s more challenging clients, such as those with tough balance sheets, claims history, new IPOs, and hard-to-place industry classes. In late 2019, she decided to transition to sales, joining insurance broker McGriff as a producer in the Executive Risk Advisor practice. Between her insurance brokerage career and prior legal practice, she has developed a unique expertise in management liability insurance with a keen understanding of how to marry coverage terms with how management liability insurance ultimately gets utilized by companies. She is cum laude graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and a summa cum laude graduate of Texas Tech School of Law. Kara offices in Dallas.
Energy Transition & Portfolio Diversity Tuesday @ 1:30 PM
LeAnn Pembroke Callihan serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) and NAPE, the world’s largest energy prospect expo. Since joining AAPL as an intern in 1989, she has spent more than 35 years helping shape the future of the land profession and the energy industry through strategic leadership, innovation and relationship-building.
Widely recognized as an experience architect and industry innovator, Callihan has played a pivotal role in the evolution of NAPE since serving on its first Advisory Committee and helping launch the inaugural North American Prospect Expo in 1993. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives including NAPE — The Magazine for Dealmakers, Prospect Presentation Theaters, the Renewable Energy, Bitcoin, Datacenters and Minerals & NonOp Hubs, the NAPE Job Fair, NAPE Sweepstakes and the NAPE Energy Innovation Case Competition. She has also led the NAPE Expo Charities Fund, helping to raise and donate more than $6 million to charities supporting American veterans.
Within AAPL, Callihan has led numerous strategic initiatives that have strengthened the association’s impact and visibility, including the successful rebranding of both AAPL and NAPE and the creation of the AAPL Horizon Breakfast and Awards. She also served as executive producer of The Path of the Landman documentary. Her leadership has fostered a culture of innovation, earning national recognition for the creativity and excellence of her teams..
Her contributions to the industry have earned numerous honors, including induction into the inaugural NAPE Hall of Fame Class in 2023. Callihan also was selected as one of Hart Energy’s 25 Influential Women in Energy and as a finalist for D CEO’s Energy Services & Technology Executive of the Year. In addition, she received the Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen’s Impact Award as well as AAPL’s prestigious Pioneer Award, which recognizes individuals who have fundamentally transformed the land profession through lasting innovation and leadership.
Callihan earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, cum laude, from Texas Christian University and completed a study abroad program at Oxford University. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute at TCU’s Neeley School of Business and is a founder, past chair and director of the Valley View Education Foundation. A former board member of the North Texas Chapter of the Women’s Energy Network, she is an executive member of WEN’s Fort Worth chapter and a member of the WEN Global Advisory Board. She also is a member of the American Society of Association Executives.
Callihan is a longtime member of Family Life Church, where she volunteers as a Kids Zone teacher. A native Texan, she lives with her husband, Mark, on the Pembroke family ranch in Gainesville, Texas. They have two adult sons: Reece and River — her pride and joy.Executive Presence & Career Advancement Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Moni Collins, Senior Managing Director for NRG at Bank OZK
Ms. Collins is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Upstream and Midstream Origination for the Natural Resources Group at Bank OZK. With over 20 years of experience in the energy finance space, she manages the portfolio of upstream and midstream relationships covering public, private, and private equity backed companies. She excels at delivering capital solutions that drive growth and long-term value to clients as well as meaningful customer service. Prior to joining Bank OZK in May 2025, she was a Senior Relationship Manager in the Energy Finance Group at First Horizon Bank for thirteen years. She has also worked for Texas Capital Bank and Bank One in Houston and spent several years in Washington, DC as an analyst for the Department of Transportation and a Presidential Management Fellow.
In 2025, Ms. Collins was named a 2025 Influential Women in Energy honoree by Hart Energy, and she is on the Board of Directors for Victory for Veterans and Levy Park. A Houston native, she graduated from Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business (MBA) and Texas A&M University (BBA in Finance). She is a mom to a high school sophomore and has been married to her husband for almost 19 years.
Global Energy Markets Tuesday @ 11:00 AM
Lindsay Dofelmier is counsel in the Energy & Mining Group of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, where she advises clients on natural resources, energy, and environmental matters across all stages of project development. Her practice spans critical minerals and rare earths, mining, renewables, public lands, water law, and Tribal consultation, with experience on resource development across public, private, and Indian lands. Lindsay provides full-service support for extractive and energy industry transactions and disputes — from due diligence and permitting to negotiating agreements and representing clients in state and federal court.
Prior to Davis Graham, Lindsay practiced natural resources law at two major international firms in Houston and Denver and served as a legal fellow with Defenders of Wildlife in Denver. She clerked for the Honorable Melinda Harmon of the Southern District of Texas and is a member of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Clear Sky First Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy.
Critical Minerals in Land Tuesday @ 3:15 PM
Katy Germani serves as Vice President, Energy Derivatives Sales Advisor at BOK Financial, where she leads the marketing and implementation of energy derivatives for clients across the bank's energy platform. She partners with the firm's trading team to provide market insights, develop hedging strategies, and deliver energy risk management solutions to clients. Prior to joining BOK Financial in 2021, Katy held various roles within BP's Integrated Supply & Trading organization. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas Christian University.
Global Energy Markets Tuesday @ 11:00 AM
Kimberly B. Glasspool is Chief Legal Officer of Pattern Energy, a leading developer and operator of renewable energy and transmission assets across North America. Based in Houston, she oversees Pattern’s legal, governance, compliance and real estate functions in support of the company’s continued growth and scale.
Kimberly brings nearly 20 years of experience advising energy and infrastructure businesses on project development, finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and complex commercial transactions. Prior to joining Pattern, she served as Managing Director, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Arroyo Investors, where she led legal and compliance for an energy‑focused private equity firm and its portfolio companies. Earlier in her career, she held senior legal roles at Cheniere Energy, Inc., supporting large‑scale LNG and midstream infrastructure projects that underpinned the company's global growth. She also practiced at leading international law firms.
Kimberly earned her J.D. and Bachelor of Civil Law from Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center and her B.A., summa cum laude, University Medalist, from LSU. She is actively engaged in environmental, educational and charitable initiatives in the Houston area. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and cheering on LSU.
Cross Border Energy Transactions Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Jean Hinton is the Director of Land Administration at Occidental Petroleum (Oxy), where she leads
teams responsible for the management of oil and gas ownership records, leasehold administration,
and landowner relations. With more than 40 years of industry experience, she is a respected leader
known for building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and leveraging technology to improve business outcomes.
Jean currently serves as President of the National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA)
and has been actively involved in the organization since 1983. She is passionate about developing
future leaders and advancing the land administration profession through education, innovation, and collaboration.
A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Jean also serves on the board of Goodland Academy.
Outside of work, she enjoys baseball, golf, reading by the pool, and supporting Houston's vibrant arts community.
Executive Presence & Career Advancement Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Jennifer N. Horchem is an attorney at Depew Gillen Rathbun & McInteer, LC where her practice focuses on conventional and renewable energy, real estate, and probate matters. Licensed in Colorado, Kansas, North Dakota, and Texas, Jennifer's energy practice includes advising operators, mineral owners, and auction companies on title, transactional, and regulatory issues.
A recognized leader in the energy industry, Jennifer serves on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association and is a Past President of the Kansas Bar Association's Oil and Gas Section. She is also actively involved in the American Association of Professional Landmen, where she currently serves as the chair of the Lithium Brine Lease Subcommittee, and its Wichita chapter where she serves as the chair of the Ethics Committee. Jennifer has also previously served on the Scholarship Committee for the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law and enjoys speaking at industry organizations like the National Association of Division Order Analysts and the Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies.
Jennifer previously served as Associate General Counsel and Vice President-Land Administration for a large, independent oil and gas exploration company. Her different roles in private practice and as in-house counsel have given her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today's energy industry. Passionate about mentoring, advancing women in traditionally male-dominated fields, and serving her community, she was recently recognized as a 2026 Wichita Business Journal Women in Business honoree for her professional accomplishments, leadership, and community impact.
Critical Minerals in Land Tuesday @ 3:15 PM
Krysten has been in Houston since 2020 with leadership responsibilities spanning Land/Joint Venture, Commercial, and most recently, Business Development and M&A. Her experience encompasses negotiations, stakeholder and project management, strategic planning, and deal closure. Prior to joining the US Gulf division, Krysten worked in Calgary, Alberta in various land, asset management, and Planning & Economics roles and spent a year shadowing CNOOC’s North American CFO. Krysten has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with distinction specializing in Petroleum Land Management from the University of Calgary. She also completed her Master of Business Administration at Queen’s University in 2019 and earned her PMP certification in 2025. Krysten has served on the Offshore Oil Scouts Association Board of Directors since 2024.
Critical Minerals in Land Tuesday @ 3:15 PM
With over two decades of experience as a Landman in oil and gas, renewables, and other alternative energies, Natalie brings an ability to see how each different energy sector works independently and how they can be strategically woven together to power the next generation of infrastructure. As Director of Alternative Energies & Infrastructure at Dudley Land Company she has helped build a thriving national practice with a portfolio of projects for premier energy and infrastructure companies nationwide. Natalie also serves as a Managing Director for Seven Ranges Development, helping derisk and develop properties for future data center locations. Personally, she is an adopted mother of two grown daughters, a grandmother, mentors young adults and professionals, and is a proud Rotarian. She believes that What We Do Matters and the strongest legacy we can leave is built through service to others and intentional sharing of our most precious asset, time.
Non-Traditional Energy & Land/Legal Integration Tuesday @ 11:00 AM
Energy Transition & Portfolio Diversity Tuesday @ 1:30 PM
Kyla Lawson is part of the Stack founding team, a fast-growing land and asset management platform. Stack is focused on modernizing the messy high friction reality of teams long underserved by traditional energy software. Kyla is both a tech pragmatist and bullish on the role of AI in supporting the industry’s next wave of innovation. Prior to founding Stack, she was a Director at Enverus, following the company’s acquisition of EnergyLink. Kyla has a useless Masters degree in Organization Development with a focus on technology as a catalyst for transformation.
Future of Women in Energy Tuesday @ 4:15 PM
Global Energy Capital & Investment Trends Tuesday @ 1:30 PM
Nancy McCaskell, CPL, is president of Masonboro Energy LLC, a consulting firm focused on energy and landwork. During more than three decades of managing and leading acquisitions, divestitures and negotiations, she has held leadership positions with Pitts Oil Company, Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., J-W Operating Co. and Coda Energy Inc. Her experience stretches across the Barnett, Haynesville, Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, Eagle Ford, Permian, San Juan, Fayetteville and Anadarko basins. In addition, McCaskell has acted as a liaison with state oil and gas associations and regulatory bodies. She counts working with the Louisiana Office of Conservation to create new policies allowing for cross unit wells as a career highlight. Active in leadership roles at the local and national level, McCaskell sits on the Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen board of directors and serves as AAPL’s president — only the second female in the association’s 70-year history to hold the role. Among her honors, she was named DAPL’s 2023 Landman of Year and received AAPL’s 2020 Blankenship Family Horizon Award, which recognizes an exceptional female land professional and role model. Additionally, McCaskell is an advisory member to the University of Oklahoma College of Law MLS and LLM programs in energy and natural resources, and she has served on several community nonprofit boards. She and her spouse, the Rev. Mary Stewart Hall, live in Dallas and enjoy traveling, art and music.
Leadership Journeys in Energy Tuesday @ 3:15 PM
Mary McIntyre has over 25 years of experience across multiple industries in leadership roles. Following several years in leadership positions in finance, Mary joined a global executive search firm in the energy industry, assisting in growing the company internationally from both the London and Houston offices. She then joined an international executive search firm as the US Managing Director, growing
it to a well-established international business before purchasing the North America business and creating Merrimac International. Mary has completed executive assignments for a broad range of clients across multiple industries including energy, technology, non-profit, industrial services, manufacturing, transportation, and EPC. She has experience in placing executives across the globe including across the US and in the UK, Middle East, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Mary is also active in a number of boards including:
• British American Business Council, Texas – President and Executive Board Member (2018 – present)
• Sam Houston University of Texas – Advisor to the GradKat Board (2023 – present)
• University of Houston, C. T. Bauer College of Business - From Management to Leadership Advisory Board Member (2022 – present)
• Polish American Chamber of Commerce in Texas – Advisor to Board of Directors (2025 – present)
• British American Foundation of Texas – Board Member (2011 – 2017)
Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University. She is an active member of a number of associations as well
including the Society for Human Resource Management, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Society of Underwater Technology,
Association for Corporate Growth, Women in Trucking, Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce, Women Business Entrepreneurs
Association.
Future of Women in Energy Tuesday @ 4:15 PM
Gloria Moncrief is President and Manager of Montex Drilling Company, LLC, where she leads the company’s strategic direction and operations. As a fourth-generation oil and gas executive, Gloria carries forward a family legacy that has shaped the American energy industry for more than a century. She follows in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, W.A. “Monty” Moncrief, her grandfather, Tex Moncrief, and her father, Charlie Moncrief. Since the 1920s, the Moncrief family has been credited with some of the most significant oil and natural gas discoveries in the continental United States.
Gloria’s involvement in the family business began in 2009 when she joined Montex and worked closely alongside her father. Under his mentorship, she developed a deep understanding of oil and gas exploration and production, while cultivating a passion for the industry’s entrepreneurial and technical challenges.
Following the loss of both her father and grandfather in 2021, Gloria assumed leadership of Montex as President and Manager. Under her direction, the company has continued its tradition of bold, independent exploration. Recently, Montex drilled the Highlander #2 well in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana—the second-deepest natural gas well ever drilled in the United States—further advancing the family’s longstanding wildcatting legacy.
Prior to joining Montex, Gloria earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin in 2004. She subsequently completed the Petroleum Engineering SuperSchool program at the Colorado School of Mines. Gloria began her professional career at the U.S. Department of State, serving as a political appointee in the Office of the Chief of Protocol during the administration of President George W. Bush. She later joined Wilkinson Global Asset Management in New York City, where she worked in investment management and advisory services before returning to the family business.
In addition to her business leadership, Gloria is deeply committed to philanthropy and civic engagement. Alongside her mother, Kit Moncrief, she co-founded The Saving Hope Foundation, an organization dedicated to combating animal abuse and addressing pet overpopulation in the Fort Worth community. She also serves on the board of the Moncrief Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer research, treatment, and patient services, primarily benefiting UT Southwestern Medical Center and the Moncrief Cancer Institute.
Gloria serves on the Longhorn Foundation Advisory Council, the Executive Committee of the University of Texas Development Board, the University of Texas Lands Advisory Board, and the Executive Committee of the University of Texas What Starts Here Campaign. She is also a member of the MD Anderson Board of Visitors, the Philosophical Society of Texas, and serves on the boards of the Fort Worth Zoo and the Texas State History Museum Foundation.
Gloria resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with her three daughters, Monty, Kit, and Gunni.
Keynote Luncheon - Authentic Leadership in Energy Tuesday @ 12:00 PM
Caroline Namazi serves as Land Manager at Ampliform, where she where she supports the development of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects across the PJM, NYISO, WECC, MISO, and SERC markets. Her work focuses on land strategy including landowner negotiations, site control, due diligence, title and curative, and the complex land, title, and contractual issues that arise throughout project development. She manages projects ranging from approximately 20 MW to 250 MW across multiple states and regulatory markets.
Caroline began her career in upstream oil and gas, working at EP Energy, Gastar Exploration, and Sanchez Exploration Company across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Utah assets. Her experience included managing active drilling schedules, supporting operated and non-operated interests, and leading acquisitions and divestitures efforts. This foundation in land, title, negotiations, and asset management provided the basis for her move into renewable energy, where she joined Samsung C&T America as a Land and Project Manager and supported the land development of more than 1,600 MW of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects in ERCOT.
Drawing on experience across both traditional and renewable energy, Caroline brings a broad perspective on land, development, and the evolving energy landscape, with a particular focus on how effective land strategy and strong landowner relationships can help move complex projects from concept to execution.
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Energy Commerce from Texas Tech University.
Non-Traditional Energy & Land/Legal Integration Tuesday @ 11:00 AM
Marissa Nehlsen is the founder and CEO of an eight-figure, debt- free financial firm, managing over $1 billion in assets across forty- six
states.
Marissa’s journey began on a North Dakota farm where she learned the value of hard work and resilience. For the past thirty years, she has founded five self-managing companies and coached thousands of entrepreneurs, helping them make money their best employee. Marissa is the author of the book Live Life Rich and a dynamic keynote speaker, using her special blend of practical, tactical, and Intentional 30+ years of experience to help people move forward from where they are to where they want to be. Beyond business, Marissa is a global impact leader. She cofoundedThe Foundation of Latin America, which mobilizes entrepreneurship with the purpose of eliminating poverty through the building of sewing schools for women in Costa Rica, developing sustainable energy projects, forestry, and organic farms.
A mother, grandmother, and visionary leader, Marissa lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, raising her family while continuing to inspire, educate, and lead. Marissa is most excited about the launch of her healing and retreat center on her mountain in Costa Rica, set to open January 2026.
Opening Keynote - Live Life Rich… Life, Leadership, and Your Wealth Plan Tuesday @ 8:45 AM
Angela Pesina is a seasoned land and operations professional with two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry. She holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from South Plains College, continued her studies at Texas Tech University, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix — a testament to the drive, discipline, and commitment she brings to her work.
Angela began her career at Denbury Resources in 2006, spending ten years advancing through multiple departments — including Joint Interest Billing, Accounts Payable, and Rentals — before being promoted to Lease Analyst. She went on to serve as Senior Lease Analyst at Matador Resources for five years, followed by a role at Global Oil & Gas, where she became a versatile, gaining the kind of hands-on, wear many hats experience that shapes a truly well-rounded professional.
Angela continued expanding her expertise at Scout Energy Partners before joining Petro‑Hunt, LLC, where she currently supports land operations across Oklahoma and Texas and contributes to a variety of special projects.
A dedicated member of both DFW‑ALTA and NALTA since 2008, Angela earned her CPLTA certification in 2014 and has served in numerous leadership roles across both organizations. Her service includes President and 1st Vice President of DFW‑ALTA (2022/2021) and President and 1st Vice President of NALTA (2026/2025). She now serves as Past President of NALTA and continues to support the association through ongoing committee involvement and conference contributions.
Outside of her professional commitments, Angela values time with family and friends, enjoys traveling, and is an enthusiastic football fan. She is also deeply invested in her community, volunteering with high school youth at her church and seeking meaningful ways to positively impact the lives of those around her.
Executive Presence & Career Advancement Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Future of Women in Energy Tuesday @ 4:15 PM
Over more than 20 years, Kelli has built a career of broadening leadership across the energy industry, serving in various roles such as General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer, Vice President of Land, and executive board member, with leadership extending beyond the legal, land, and administrative functions to operational matters such as ESG and surface infrastructure build-out.
Most recently, she served as General Counsel of Black Mountain Sand and was instrumental in its merger with Covia Energy to form Iron Oak Energy. Previously, she co-founded a private equity-backed upstream oil and gas company, serving as General Counsel, VP of Land, and Corporate Secretary.
Building upon her extensive leadership and industry experience, Kelli founded Roach Law Group, a fractional general counsel practice, on the premise that companies thrive when they have a strategic legal partner in the room as decisions are made, shaping outcomes rather than reacting to them. And getting that competitive advantage does not require the cost of a full-time, in-house position many are not yet ready to carry.
Kelli has been recognized as General Counsel of the Year by the Association of Corporate Counsel and Texas Lawbooks, received the In-House Impact Award from Texas Lawyer, and been a finalist for multiple prestigious corporate counsel awards. She holds a J.D. from Southern Methodist University and an M.A. in International Management and B.A. in Government and Politics, both from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Leadership Journeys in Energy Tuesday @ 3:15 PM
Niki Roberts is Deputy General Counsel at JERA Americas, the U.S. subsidiary of JERA, a Japanese energy company. JERA Americas owns and operates a diversified U.S. energy portfolio spanning thermal power generation, lower‑carbon fuels including LNG, and investments across renewable and next‑generation energy technologies, supporting long‑term growth and the energy transition. Niki leads the legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions at JAM and provides senior legal leadership across operations, development, and strategic investment activities. Her experience spans the full energy value chain, including extensive upstream oil and gas assets, as well as midstream, downstream, power, and energy transition platforms. Prior to joining JERA Americas, Niki was a partner at Hogan Lovells.
Cross Border Energy Transactions Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Vanessa received her master’s in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and has over 13 years of experience in energy, education, and nonprofit leadership. She has worked across the public and private sectors to advance pragmatic, bipartisan energy solutions grounded in data, stakeholder collaboration, and responsible resource development.
Over the past year, Vanessa has focused on advancing geothermal energy policy at the state, local, and federal levels—coordinating cross-sector engagement, supporting policymakers with technical and market insights, and building coalitions among industry, Tribal governments, agencies, and community partners to accelerate responsible geothermal deployment. She also leads national education and outreach initiatives, including workforce development programs, student mentorship and scholarship efforts, and regional geothermal education events designed to strengthen the talent pipeline and broaden industry participation across the United States.
Energy Transition & Portfolio Diversity Tuesday @ 1:30 PM
Mari Salazar is Senior Vice President and Director of Energy Banking for BOK Financial's Energy Financial Services Group, where she leads the firm's Energy Banking team. With more than 23 years of experience at BOK Financial, Mari has built a distinguished career in energy finance, specializing in reserve-based lending, corporate banking, and strategic client relationships across the oil and gas industry. Prior to joining BOK Financial, she served as a Senior Credit Analyst at Comerica Bank in Houston, supporting the Energy, Real Estate, and Energy Loan Workout groups.
Mari earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics (Class of 1995) and a Master of Business Administration in Finance (Class of 1999), both from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
Throughout her career, Mari has been recognized as a respected leader in both the energy and financial services industries. Her honors include being named one of the Houston Business Journal's "Top 100 Most Influential Houston Business Leaders in Energy" in 2013, a 2017 Outstanding Woman in Banking & Finance by the Women's Resource of Greater Houston, and one of Oil & Gas Investor Magazine's "25 Influential Women in Energy" in 2020. She was also recognized with Comcast's 2021 Hispanic Hero Award, named a 2022 Breakthrough Woman by the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, selected as one of Energy Digital Magazine's Top 10 Women in Energy in 2023, and honored as a 2023 Influential Latina by the Mariachi Festival for her contributions to the Houston community.
A passionate advocate for education, community service, and the advancement of women and underrepresented communities, Mari dedicates significant time to nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Latin Women's Initiative, an organization committed to improving the lives of Latina women and children in the Houston community through grants and support of local charitable organizations. She is also a Board Member of Performing Arts Houston, where she helped establish the Salazar Arts Internship Program, a year-round paid internship that introduces college students to careers in arts administration.
Mari is a 16-year active member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and currently serves as a Coordinator on the Go Tejano Committee. She also serves on the Endowment Board of Small Steps Nurturing Center, where she previously held leadership roles as Treasurer and Executive Board Member, and on the Advisory Board of the University of St. Thomas' Rising Stars Program, which supports first-generation college students. In honor of her late mother, Mari helped establish the Maria Cruz Salazar Interview Closet at the University of St. Thomas, providing professional attire to students and alumni preparing to enter the workforce.
Her prior board service includes the WithMerci Foundation, founded by former Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus to support children with disabilities, as well as the University of St. Thomas Alumni Board and the Small Steps Nurturing Center Board.
A proud Houstonian, Mari is passionate about creating opportunities for future generations through mentorship, education, and community engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, volunteering, running marathons and ultramarathons, and spending time with her family.
Global Energy Markets Tuesday @ 11:00 AM
Cross Border Energy Transactions Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Elizabeth Lieb Shuler serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Chord Energy. Ms. Shuler has more than 15 years of experience in organizational development, HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition, DEI best practices, and benefits and compensation. She most recently served as Vice President of Human Resources for Callon Petroleum.
Ms. Shuler joined Callon Petroleum in 2021 and was responsible for establishing and overseeing the execution of the Company’s overall people strategy, specifically through the management of all human resources functions and office/administrative services.
Prior to joining Callon Petroleum, Ms. Shuler served as Head of Human Resources and Assistant General Counsel for Buc-ee’s, Ltd. from 2012 to 2021.
Ms. Shuler began her career holding various positions of increasing responsibility as an Assistant District Attorney, trying cases primarily involving domestic violence, white collar crimes, and general criminal matters.
Ms. Shuler holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Miami (Go Canes!) and a Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law.
She currently co-chairs the AXPC Human Resources Committee and serves on the Board Development Committee and Human Resources Committee for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council.
Future of Women in Energy Tuesday @ 4:15 PM
Jen Smith is a real estate transactions and land management leader with more than 25 years of experience across data center development, renewable energy, and traditional oil and gas.
As Director of Transactions Management, Jen oversees transaction strategy and execution for a growing data center portfolio. She partners with Development, Legal, Finance, Engineering, and other business functions to navigate complex real estate and title matters, resolve curative issues, support contract negotiations, coordinate closings, and maintain visibility into transaction risks and critical deadlines.
Throughout her career, Jen has focused on building scalable processes and leading multidisciplinary teams through due diligence, acquisition, development, and closing. Her prior experience includes managing land operations, acquisition and divestiture due diligence, title and curative work, contract negotiations, and regulatory and SOX compliance.
Jen is particularly interested in how transaction teams can use data, technology, and AI to work more effectively. Her current areas of focus include strengthening transaction tracking and data management, standardizing LOI and purchase agreement structures, and improving reporting, approval, and funding workflows.
Jen holds an MBA with a Finance Certificate from Colorado State University and maintains CPL, CDOA, and CPLTA certifications.Non-Traditional Energy & Land/Legal Integration Tuesday @ 11:00 AM
Cross Border Energy Transactions Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Laurie brings more than 20 years of oil and gas industry experience, primarily as a Landman. In that role, she negotiated leases, managed stakeholder relationships, and developed a deep understanding of the industry’s complexities and challenges. Her expertise in negotiation and legal frameworks allowed her to secure agreements that balanced the interests of energy companies and landowners. Recognizing the growing importance of informed policy decisions in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, Laurie transitioned into policy, drawing on her academic background and practical experience to advance approaches that support economic growth and environmental stewardship.
As a Policy Advisor, Laurie collaborates with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and advocacy organizations to help shape energy policies that promote the responsible and sustainable development of oil and gas resources. She is committed to building consensus and advancing initiatives that strengthen industry standards while safeguarding community interests.
Laurie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Business from the University of Colorado, as well as a Master of Science in Natural Resources Law and Policy from the University of Denver.
Leadership Journeys in Energy Tuesday @ 3:15 PM
Julie Woodard, CPL, serves as president of the American Association of Professional Landmen, where she is currently focused on driving strategic growth and industry advocacy. She formerly served as the senior land manager for Expand Energy in the Northeast Appalachia Business Unit and has previously led land business development and exploration activities in the Mid-Continent region.
Woodard earned a Bachelor of Science in economics, pre-law, from Oklahoma State University and subsequently attended the University of Oklahoma’s Energy Management Program following her acceptance into law school. She currently serves on the OU Energy Management board of directors.
Woodard has been a member of the Oklahoma City Association of Professional Landmen and AAPL since 2004. She joined OCAPL’s Executive Committee in 2008 and is a past president of the association. Since 2007, she has chaired and served on numerous AAPL committees as well as the board of directors. She also has served as chair of the NAPE Operators Committee, a member of the Executive Committee as first vice president for 2025-26, third vice president for 2015-16, and president and chair of the AAPL Educational Foundation. Currently she is AAPL’s president.
Among her many honors, Woodard was a finalist in the Young Professional in Energy category of the International Oil and Gas Awards, Mid-Continent Division in 2013, included in Oil and Gas Investor’s distinguished list of “20 under 40” in the industry, and named OCAPL’s Landman of the Year in 2014 and AAPL’s Landman of the Year for 2014-15. Most recently, she was an honoree in Hart’s Oil and Gas Investor 2025 Influential Women in Energy.
In addition to her professional association involvement, Woodard is a past president of the Edmond Public Schools Foundation.
Most importantly, she is a dedicated and loving mother of three children: Grayson, Hallie and Henley. She and her husband, Brian, live in Edmond, Oklahoma. She enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, vacationing and staying involved with her church community.
Executive Presence & Career Advancement Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
