Associate Section Open Position Vote 2024


Voting will close August 31, 2024.

Vote Now

Meet the Candidates

Voting is open to the Accredited Representative for each Associate member in good standing.
Voting is open until August 31.
The results will be announced on September 3, 2024.

The following Associate Members in good standing have applied for the five open positions to serve on the Associate Section. The term will be from January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027.  Please select your top five from the following ten candidates:

Jared Canuteson

Gas Pipeline Department Manager
Cobb, Fendley & Associates


Previous SGA Activities

Member of SGA for 5+ years.

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

President of North Texas GPA Midstream (2020-2021), Co-Treasurer of North Texas GPA Midstream (2019-2021) Member of North Texas GPA Midstream (2010-Present)

Why would you like this position?

As a manager of gas engineering services and experience in the upstream, midstream, and natural gas pipeline / distribution industry for over 15 years with large clients like Atmos Energy, I would like to volunteer my time to improve our industry and give back to the SGA community.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

Technical expertise in design of natural gas pipelines and distribution systems, active Professional Engineering licensure in 19 states, connections with vendors, knowledge of equipment and construction practices, leadership and management skills, previous experience leading an O&G association (NTGPA).

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James J. Cross

Chief Experience Officer
Energy Worldnet (EWN)


Previous SGA Activities

Speaker (various events), Corporate Communications Winner (CWJJ), Several Podcast Hostings in tandem w/ SGA, Associate Committee Member 2024

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

n/a

Why would you like this position?

The associate downtrend is concerning and I want to continue to be a part of the team that is charged w/ the success of Associates

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

Involved in the industry across the board, also an associate – been there in the group, understand how it works.

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Patrick Jacobs

VP, Sales & Marketing
Heath Consultants, Inc.


Previous SGA Activities

I was a speaker at a conference on our RMLD technologies—I cannot recall the year/conference—but I attend several events yearly.

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

n/a

Why would you like this position?

I take pride in providing top-notch products and services to the natural gas industry. Partnering with SGA, a well-known organization known for its commitment to safety and excellence, offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals. A committee involvement would allow me the opportunity to help shape the future of the natural gas supply chain, leveraging the committees’ collective skills and knowledge to drive innovation and set new industry standards to make an impact in the natural gas sector.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

Past committees: WEI Executive Planning WEI Operations Service Current Committees: AGA Customer Field Services & Measurement (CFSM)

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Omar A. Jiminez

VP, Sales & Marketing
Compressor Engineering Corp (CECO)


Previous SGA Activities

2019 – Present Exhibitor GMRC, 2022 – Present Project Supervisory Committee Member, 2024 – OpsCon Planning Committee Member, 2024 – Compression & Operations Management Committee Member

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

n/a

Why would you like this position?

To inject new perspectives and passion into the Associate Section in an effort to improve the overall value of being an Associate Member.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

I bring a passion for fixing things and for providing customers the very best in products and services. Leveraging my years of experience in the sales and commercial function I am confident that as part of the Associate Member Managing Committee we can reestablish the value proposition to participating organizations.

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Paul Khuri

VP, Business Development
SeekOps, Inc.


Previous SGA Activities

10-year member, 2022 Management conference – invited presenter (New Technologies), Member – New Technologies Task Force, Member – Environmental Committee (22-23), Member – RNG Task Force (22-23)

I’ve also presented at the SGA Annual Conference and the Supply Chain Manager’s Conference in past years.

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

Gas Processors Suppliers Association – member, Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas – member, American Biogas Council – member, ONE Future – Production Technology Of The Year 2022, International School of Hydrocarbon Measurement – Memorial Award Best Lecturer 2014, ADIPEC – Startup Technology of the Year 2022, Let’s Clear The Air – Podcast 2022

Why would you like this position?

I believe in the Natural Gas industry and that our standard of living is dependent on regular, responsible supply of natural gas to fuel our economy. As a retired USAF officer, I also believe in giving back to the industry which has provided for me, and the technology vendors for this market are the lifeblood of innovation and growth for our operators; it is imperative that we continue to encourage fresh ideas and technologies to position us for the future. I would be honored to serve on the Managing Committee.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

As a Committee member in other SGA subcommitees, I have experienced how to run an efficient interest group and make it relevant to the larger membership, as well as cater to vendors who want to introduce their technologies to the market. I have planned several large events over the years for various sized companies/organizations. Having been in the natural gas market since 2007 I’ve seen a lot of changes and can bring that perspective to the group.

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Matt McCarthy

Regional Sales-North Central & Southeast US
Sloan Lubrication


Previous SGA Activities

2024, 2023 – GMC Planning Committee
Presenter 2024, 2023, 2022 GMC
Presenter 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018 EAR
Booth attendee 2000 – 2023 GMC
Presenter 2024 SGA Virtual Learning Series

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

Board member 2016 – 2023 Eastern Gas Compressor Roundtable (EGCR)
Chairman – Exhibits committee 2011-2015 EGCR
Chairman Choice Award 2019 EGCR recipient
Member of various committees 1995 – Present EGCR

Why would you like this position?

I believe I have a wide range of experience from working on various committees over the years to contribute to this group.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

I believe my many years of involvement with both the GMC and the EGCR has given me a unique prospective to offer the Associate Members committee from increasing engagement in exhibit halls and training opportunities to creating new and innovative sponsorship opportunities, participation in exhibit halls, and encouraging Associate Members engagement in conference and training workshop events.

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Thomas Menken

Strategic Account Manager
Border States


Previous SGA Activities

Been an SGA member since 2000. Supported multiple SGA events and sponsorship for multipole conferences.

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

AGA Bronze merit Award 2022 recipient

Why would you like this position?

Support our vendors and keep them involved in the success of SGA and its attendees.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

Over 30 years in the Natural Gas business. Have served on many committees thought out my career.

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Brandon Mitchell

Regional Sales Manager
Liberty Sales & Distribution


Previous SGA Activities

Exhibitor and attendee this year at SGA Columbia and SGA Nashville Conferences

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

n/a

Why would you like this position?

I would like to be involved with the SGA and assist other members.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

Patient listener. Willing to help those that need assistance.

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Greg Morris

Principal Engineer-Integrity Solutions & Compliance
DNV


Previous SGA Activities

Attended 2023 Natural Gas Connect Conference, presenter (>8 years ago) at SGA pipeline repair class in Houston

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

CWI (1997-2023, expired), member of ASME B16 that developed first edition of B16.49, member API SC 5 that maintains API 5L, member ASM International (FAS) and AWS

Why would you like this position?

I believe participating in committee activities provides an opportunity to understand operators’ current challenges and share my/our experiences and lessons learned on a variety of pipeline integrity topics. Also, because DNV supports my participation, I plan to be an active member and regularly attend meetings/conferences to stay engaged.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

I started my career at a natural gas operator in Houston and later transitioned to consulting for the past 25+ years. I have witnessed the introduction of risk assessment and integrity management concepts into codes and worked on developing some of the original IMP plans. I am looking forward to discussions with operators about their current challenges and developing solutions. I think leveraging experience and developing new or novel solutions for problem solving can be a valuable combination.

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Blake Villarrubia

Project Manager
Audubon Companies


Previous SGA Activities

Executive Council, Member, 2022-2023, 2023-2024 Multi-Generational Leadership Committee, Member, 2022-2023, 2023-2024 Speaker 2023 Natural Gas Connect Speaker 2023 Executive Conference (presentation to Board) Speaker 2024 Management Conference Young Professional Taskforce 2024 Speaker – Webinar in June 2024

Other Relevant Professional Activities, Awards & Memberships

YPP USA – Industry Chair and Trade Organization Workgroup leads, fostering involvement with SGA YPI John Tiratsoo Young Achievement Award winner 2024 SGA Chair’s Riser Leader Award finalist 2024 INGAA Foundation involvement Professional Engineer in 4 US States Master in Business Administration BS in Civil Engineering

Why would you like this position?

I would like to serve on the Associate Section Managing Committee because I am passionate about growing the benefits that associate members receive from SGA and enhancing SGA’s impact on the industry. Firstly, associate members play a crucial role in the success and vibrancy of SGA. By serving on the committee, I aim to advocate for the needs and interests of these members, ensuring they receive the maximum value from their membership. Secondly, I believe in the importance of enhancing SGA’s overall impact on the industry. SGA has a significant role in shaping the industry, fostering innovation, and advocating for the collective interests of its members. By contributing my skills and experience to the committee, I can help drive initiatives that strengthen SGA’s influence, promote best practices, and support sustainable growth within the industry. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that associate members feel valued and see tangible benefits from their involvement in SGA, while also working to elevate the organization’s role as a leader and advocate within the industry.

What talents and/or perspectives can you bring to the committee, committee activities, and committee events?

As a highly involved young professional in the industry, I can provide the committee with a unique perspective and fresh ideas on ways to continue the great work the committee is doing, and new ways to improve the committee’s work. I have a vast network across various organizations that I am involved with and have experience with similar committees in those organizations. I can bring my experience in organizations like YPP, INGAA Foundation, and SGA to the committee as well as my unique perspectives to drive positive growth and impactful involvement.

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