David Holt – MANAGING PARTNER

dholt@hbwresources.com
(713) 524-2622

David Holt has more than 30 years of experience working for state and federal agencies and Congress and directing outreach and advocacy efforts. David founded HBW Resources in 2005 to provide counsel and guidance to companies regarding governmental and industry energy initiatives, including issues related to energy security, exploration and production, advanced technologies, air quality, and refining. HBW’s core expertise is implementing and managing expansive energy-specific advocacy campaigns to generate a full complement of stakeholder, media and grassroots support for thoughtful, positive energy development.

Previously, David served as Vice President of Government Affairs for Hart Energy Services; Senior Legal and Energy Counsel to Chairman James E. Nugent of the Texas Railroad Commission; Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee; and in the Public Affairs and Media Office of the U.S. Department of State under President George H.W. Bush.

David also currently serves as President of Consumer Energy Alliance, a trade association that focuses on expanding the dialogue between the energy sector and the rest of the economy. With more than 550,000 members nationwide representing every sector of the U.S. economy, CEA is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future.

David regularly authors columns and appears in national media outlets. He is a frequent speaker at national energy forums, has testified before Congress and is regularly sought out by policymakers and business leaders for his energy policy insight.

David serves as a founding Board Member of the Consumer Energy Education Foundation and a member of the Board of Trustees of the St. Anne Catholic Foundation.  He is an attorney.  David lives in Houston with his wife Maureen and three children.

Andrew Browning – PARTNER

abrowning@hbwresources.com
(303) 228-9462

Andrew Browning heads HBW’s Denver office where he provides strategic counsel, issues management, grassroots, and advocacy expertise to oil and gas, utility, renewable energy, government, and manufacturing clients.

With experience in both the private and government sectors, Browning has worked at the nexus of energy policy and politics for over 25 years. He was previously Director of Government Relations at Methanex – the world’s largest methanol producer and distributor –  and a White House appointee to the U.S. Department of Energy during the Clinton administration where he served as a special assistant in the Office of Fossil Energy.

Andrew is one of principal founders and President of the Western States and Tribal Nations (WSTN) Natural Gas Initiative. WSTN is a unique 501(c)(4) public/private partnership between Western states, counties, sovereign tribal governments, and natural gas industry stakeholders with a focus on building comprehensive and effective regional collaboration under a formal MOU to advocate for and develop local and global markets for Rockies natural gas. The MOU is signed by the States of Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, Baja California, Mexico, the Ute Indian Tribe and the counties of western Colorado.

Andrew served as an adjunct professor in the Energy Management Program at Norway’s Bodø Graduate School of Business at University of Nordland, which is a collaborative program with the International Institute of Energy Politics and Diplomacy (MIEP) at MGIMO University in Moscow, Russia.

Andrew holds an M.A. in International Affairs with a focus on Energy and Environment and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Economics from the University of Texas-Austin.

Kaitlyn Bennett – MANAGER, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT

kbennett@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8802

​As HBW’s Government Affairs and Communications Support Manager, Kaitlyn is responsible for assisting on regulatory and legislative initiatives and events in key states, stakeholder and elected official engagement, reporting on key initiatives, and assisting in researching and developing company and client messaging.

Prior to joining HBW Resources, Kaitlyn worked in the Texas House of Representatives as a Legislative Aide and has worked on a number of campaigns for the Texas Legislature in the Southeast Texas area.

Kaitlyn has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing her Master of Legal Studies in Energy, Oil, and Gas Law from Texas A&M School of Law.

Tatum Blalock – MANAGER, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

tblalock@hbwresources.com

As HBW’s Government Relations Affairs, Tatum is responsible for tracking all federal legislation and agency actions, attending Congressional hearings and markups of interest, provide hearing summaries of top issues, and assisting state government relations.

Prior to joining HBW full-time, Tatum worked as a summer intern in HBW’s Houston office assisting in energy equivalency research, organizing ESG standards, and participating in official governmental hearing coverage. Tatum recently earned a degree in English and Political Science from Vassar College in New York, where she was captain of the Varsity Tennis team.

Michael Whatley – PARTNER

mwhatley@hbwresources.com
(202) 429-6868

Michael Whatley works with a wide range of companies and trade associations in the energy and transportation sectors helping them with policy making, communications and strategic engagement with Congress, federal Departments and Agencies and State Governments. Michael's proven campaign and government expertise assist HBW’s clients to achieve their goals.

Michael previously served as Chief of Staff for Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Subcommittee Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy and Counsel to the U.S. Senate Republican Conference Secretary Paul Coverdell (R-GA).  Prior to his service in Washington, Whatley clerked for The Honorable Robert D. Potter, U.S. District Court Judge, Western District of North Carolina.

He holds a J.D. and Master’s degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, a Master’s degree in Religion from Wake Forest University and a B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Marc Brown – VICE PRESIDENT, STATE AFFAIRS

mbrown@hbwresources.com
(603) 777-7176

With over 20 years of business, advocacy, and government affairs experience, Marc Brown advises HBW clients on energy, telecom and water policies and regulations at the state level, with a particular focus on New England.

Prior to joining HBW, Marc was Executive Director of the New England Ratepayers Association, a non-profit social welfare organization that advocated for policies, regulations, and projects that lower the costs of regulated utilities – electricity, natural gas, telecoms and water – to consumers. Marc has testified on energy and telecom policies before local, state, and federal bodies; intervened in dockets before state utility commissions, and successfully filed petitions before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Marc has advised candidates for public office on energy, education, and small business regulations; and represented the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturers, technology companies, real estate developers, and trade associations at the state level. His past work also includes a stint at one of the most prominent non-profit public advocacy organizations in Washington, D.C., developing grassroots campaigns focused on tax, education and energy policy.

He holds a BA in Government and Politics from George Mason University and lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children.

Mike Butler – GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, PA

(412) 448-6851

Michael serves as a Strategic Advisor to HBW Resources. Michael has spent the past 17 years working in and around politics and government in Pennsylvania and neighboring states. This experience prompted him to launch Grant Forbes, LLC, specializing in government relations and business development. Since launching Grant Forbes, LLC, he has used his extensive network and governmental knowledge to assist a broad array of clients, including AM LLC, Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation, The Efficiency Network, Surtreat, Three + One Advisors, Shelly Lyons Communications, and Steel City Media.

During his career in politics, Michael served as the Finance Director for the successful re-election effort of United States Senator Bob Casey.  Additionally, he served as District Director for Congressman Jason Altmire and Finance Director for Dan Onorato’s gubernatorial campaign. His campaign work was recognized by PoliticsPA list as a Top Operative. He has worked on campaigns at every level from local races to statewide races; including successful campaigns for city council, state house, county judicial, Congressional, Senate, and Gubernatorial.

Additionally, he has served as Mid-Atlantic Executive Director for Consumer Energy Alliance since 2013. His expertise and insight on energy issues have garnered significant media coverage as his editorials have been picked up in many publications, including the Baltimore Sun, Harrisburg Patriot-News, Newark Star-Ledger, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

He holds a B.A. from Dickinson College and a JD/MPIA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Kevin Doyle – VICE PRESIDENT, STATE AFFAIRS

kdoyle@hbwresources.com
(904) 806-1714

Kevin Doyle is the Vice President of State Affairs for HBW Resources and specializes in state policy and advocacy strategy for a variety of clients across industries and sectors. He has direct oversight over the Southeastern United States for HBW Resources but works across the country for clients and on initiatives for the firm.

Kevin’s professional experience includes federal, state, local and international levels of government and politics, having worked for U.S. Senators Mel Martinez and Connie Mack, the White House, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, the Florida House of Representatives and on political campaigns in the U.S., England and New Zealand.

Kevin served under two Florida governors as the Chairman of CareerSource Florida, the state’s workforce system. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development agency.  Kevin’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, non-profits, business associations, policy initiatives and campaigns. He is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and also works out of our Tallahassee office.

Rachel Edwards – SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS

redwards@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8823

As Communications Senior Director at HBW, Rachel Edwards manages strategic communications, media relations, and branding for HBW and its clients.

Before joining HBW, Rachel worked as a Regional Director for Senator Ted Cruz in his 2018 re-election campaign for U.S. Senate. She has also worked at a leading global marketing communications firm, managing digital and traditional advertising campaigns for her clients. Rachel has developed communication strategies and advertising campaigns for both nationwide and regional organizations.

Rachel holds a B.S. in Communication Studies and an M.A. in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin.

Beth Everage – SENIOR DIRECTOR, POLICY

beverage@hbwresources.com
(713) 524-2388

Beth Everage is Policy Director at HBW Resources where she leads research efforts that support the development of policy positions and stakeholder strategy for HBW’s clients.

Previously, Beth served as the manager for Energy and Environmental Policy at the Greater Houston Partnership, leading advocacy and education efforts aimed at communicating complex energy and environmental issues to a broad range of stakeholders to build industry partnerships and coalitions with regional entities.

Beth began her career conducting environmental impact studies and air quality analyses for highway projects, and managed a successful grant program aimed at regional mobile source emission reductions.

Beth holds a B.S. in Bioenvironmental Sciences and an M.Ag. in Natural Resources Development from Texas AandM University.

Lee Forsgren – OF COUNSEL

lforsgren@hbwresources.com
(202) 916-5556

Lee Forsgren provides legal and policy guidance in the areas of the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Infrastructure, Endangered Species, natural resources, energy, environmental policy, transportation, oil pollution, space systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and federal appropriations. He assists corporations, industry associations and tribal organizations in their relations with Congress, the Executive Branch, and state governments.

Lee has returned to HBW Resources after almost four years as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Before originally coming to HBW Resources, he was a partner with Nossaman LLC/ O’Connor and Hannan LLP, Assistant Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, majority counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Water Resources Subcommittee, counsel to the Subcommittee on Lands and Forestry, and assistant to Congressman Don Young (R-AK) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). He also served the Bush-Cheney Transition Team on transportation and environmental issues. Lee holds a B.A. in Marine Transportation and Nautical Science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and a J.D. from George Mason University School of Law.

Jaycob Garcia – MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY

jgarcia@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8802

Jaycob Garcia is the Manager of Communications & Advocacy for HBW Resources where he provides support and substantive direction for HBW’s clients, with a specific focus on grassroots communications, creative development, website and marketing support, advertising and reporting. Jaycob also works closely with HBW’s Government Affairs team, where supports outreach to local, state and federal elected leaders and officials.

Prior to joining the HBW team, Jaycob served as the Vice President of Operations for Steve Ray Associates; Campaign Coordinator for Texas Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright; Legislative Director for Texas State Representative Geanie Morrison; Director of Operations & Staff Assistant for U.S. Congressman Michael Cloud and has worked on numerous campaigns across the State of Texas.

Kyriakos Galiotos – SENIOR MANAGER OF STATE AFFAIRS AND POLICY

kgaliotos@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8818

As HBW’s Senior Manager of State Affairs and Policy, Kyriakos is responsible for managing government relations in Texas, coordinating strategic outreach campaigns on both a local and federal level, and assisting in policy proposals and management.

Prior to joining HBW Resources, Kyriakos worked in digital marketing and government relations at a firm in Louisiana. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication with a focus in political communication and minors in History and Business Administration.

Billie Rae Gillas – MANAGER OF FINANCE, ACCOUNTING and HR

brgillas@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8801

Billie Rae Gillas leads finance and human resources operations of HBW Resources. A longtime Alaskan, Billie Rae worked in the offshore seafood processing industry as a human resources professional for a succession of start-up corporations: Oceantrawl, Supreme Alaska Seafoods, Cold Sea Intl., and Atlantic Frost Seafoods.

Previously, Billie Rae spent three years as a legislative aide in the Alaska House, as the primary district constituent liaison for former Speaker of the House Gail Phillips. Prior to moving to Texas, Billie Rae spent five years as Finance/Membership Director for the Resource Development Council for Alaska.

Billie Rae holds a Master’s of Science in Organization and Leadership from Capella University as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Western New Mexico University. Billie Rae enjoys volunteer endeavors including the Galveston Lions Club and AARP Foundation’s TaxAide program.

Matthew Gonzales – DIRECTOR, STATE AFFAIRS

MGonzales@hbwresources.com
(505) 203-3028

Matthew Gonzales is the Southwest State Affairs Director for HBW Resources with direct oversight of New Mexico, West Texas, Colorado and Arizona. He specializes in state policy and advocacy strategy focused on natural resource development across industries and sectors.

Matthew has over a decade of experience as a natural resources and public policy advisor, with expertise in developing successful procedural and legislative strategies that get clients the advocacy results they want. Matthew’s previous roles include Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Relations for the Association of Commerce & Industry of New Mexico, Director of the New Mexico Good Neighbor Program for the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, Village Administrator for the Village of Cimarron and Government Affairs Director for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. Most recently, Matthew played an integral role in helping shape and negotiate key pieces of agriculture and natural resource legislation including the Pecan Buyers Licensure Act of 2018, the Healthy Soil Act of 2019, the Hemp Manufacturing Act of 2019, the Produced Water Act of 2019, the Water Data Act of 2019, and others.

As State Affairs Director for the Southwest, Matthew monitors all state activities affecting HBW’s clients and leads the firm’s lobbying activities in Santa Fe, Denver and Phoenix. Matthew is actively engaged in efforts to shape energy, environment, and natural resource policy development through educational outreach and direct advocacy.

Matthew is an Air Force veteran that served overseas in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He is currently in his second term as a Council Member for the Village of Cimarron and he has served on the Cimarron Municipal Schools' Board of Education. He is a Member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a Life Member of the VFW. Matthew has a home in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains of Northeast New Mexico where spends his free time fly fishing and exploring with his rescue pit bull, India.

Kaitlin Hammons – SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND CAMPAIGNS

khammons@hbwresources.com
(202) 429-4931

As HBW’s Senior Director of Strategic Engagement and Campaigns, Kaitlin Hammon's the organization's campaign portfolio and day-to-day campaign operations. Kaitlin specializes in managing hyper-local campaigns and has directed numerous local campaigns for the largest renewable provider in the United States.

Before joining HBW, Kaitlin served as a Legislative Assistant in the Texas State Senate, monitoring legislation, conducting research, and legislative and policy analysis on various issues with committees such as Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. Kaitlin began her career working on numerous political campaigns at the state and local levels in Texas and was responsible for inspiring public support and building political support to ensure campaign success.

Kaitlin grew up in Beaumont, Texas, giving her a unique understanding of energy from a local perspective. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Lamar University.

Emily Haggstrom – VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

ehaggstrom@hbwresources.com
713-337-8820

Emily Haggstrom drives HBW’s communications and creative practice, conceiving and leading the execution of public affairs campaigns that blend digital advertising, video, traditional and social media to deliver cost-effective, real-world results for our clients. Her other major responsibilities include managing communications, marketing, branding and media buying.

Before joining HBW, Emily coordinated global media relations for economics, military, transportation and energy issues at IHS, Inc., now IHS Markit. Emily’s broad experience in marketing and PR and across media channels is complemented by her demonstrated depth in the specialized aspects of energy communications, which she honed in assignments as diverse as publishing a magazine for a production house, working as an energy staff writer and leading sales and marketing for a global freight forwarder that works closely with energy, mining and manufacturing clients.

Emily has a B.A. in journalism studies from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Bryson Hull – VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS and ADVISORY

bhull@hbwresources.com
(202) 429-4362

Bryson Hull creates and executes communications strategies that help HBW’s clients hurdle over barriers to business objectives, fend off crises or unfair attacks to reputation, and engage successfully with financial and other specialized audiences. He brings a global geopolitical perspective and an insider’s knowledge of how journalists think, earned during his 17 years of reporting and writing about politics, business and wars on assignment in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

Bryson is consulted by senior executives, serving diplomats and government leaders for his counsel and proven ability to swiftly analyze – and extract clarity from – unpredictable, complex or volatile situations. His current and past engagements include Fortune 500 clients in energy, agriculture, finance and manufacturing, and his portfolio includes multiple campaigns, due diligence investigations, media engagement, opposition management, stakeholder identification/analysis and strategic reports to support new country/ market entries.

For most of his journalism career, Bryson worked for Reuters News in Houston, Nairobi and Colombo, where he served as a bureau chief and country manager. His reporting put him in frequent contact with heads of state, CEOs, and sensitive cultural environments, and took him to places like Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, where he learned how to thrive under extreme pressure. Bryson has also worked for the Associated Press and Bloomberg, and got his start as a police reporter in newspapers in Texas and his native Connecticut. A father of two, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and speaks Spanish and Swahili.

Kristin Marcell – SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

kmarcell@hbwresources.com
(215) 595-7046

With two decades of experience in public affairs and communications, Kristin Marcell is an experienced public relations executive with a demonstrated history of delivering high-quality results at the top levels of the government and private sector. She provides communications counsel and service to HBW Resources’ clients, with a focus on media relations, issues management, research and messaging, and executive media training.

Prior to joining HBW, Kristin served as the communications director and primary spokesperson for the Law School Admission Council. She also spent 10 years working for two global PR agencies, leading communications campaigns for clients, including several high-profile energy and environment organizations, utilities and corporations.

She brings to HBW a strong background in press relations and an impressive list of top-tier media contacts, including at The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, The New York Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, U.S. News and World Report, POLITICO, Fox News, and CNBC, among others.

Previously, Kristin was the communications director of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she served as the official spokesperson and directed the Agency’s communications program.

Kristin was also the director of external affairs for the former Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Resources, Richard Pombo, General Electric’s Political Action Committee manager in their Washington, D.C. corporate office, and served as a legislative staffer to a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A native of Pennsylvania, Kristin holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Pennsylvania State University.

John Northington, Jr. – SENIOR DIRECTOR, FEDERAL AFFAIRS

jnorthington@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8824

John Northington, Jr., has more than a decade of public and private sector energy policy and regulatory experience. John specializes in upstream, midstream, and renewable issues and is passionate about advancing the responsible development of energy as the world moves to a lower-carbon future.

John has been involved in Democratic politics for more than 15 years and is a veteran of local, state, and federal political campaigns, including President Barack Obama’s successful 2012 re-election bid. Following President Obama’s re-election, John was appointed Advisor to the Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement at the United States Department of the Interior (DOI).

At DOI, he focused on a wide range of matters pertaining to the safe operations of oil and gas activity on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, including working on the finalization of the Well Control Rule and other regulations. John assisted with permitting, monitoring and tribal engagement while working on the Arctic Rule and Shell’s Arctic Drilling Season, and he spearheaded the International Regulators’ Forum 2015 meeting. He was also regularly involved with the Office of Congressional and International Affairs and the Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs to help them achieve various Administration objectives, including sharing U.S. safety and regulatory best practices with foreign nations.

Northington helped develop and implement a government relations program for a Forbes 120 midstream company while working on legislative and regulatory issues pertinent to its day-to-day operations. From Eminent Domain issues in Texas, to the China Section 301 Tariff process, Northington dealt with a wide range of policy matters and assisted and advised the leadership team on all policy and regulatory developments that could potentially impact business operations. His other work has included Endangered Species Act consulting and compliance.

A seventh-generation Texan, John is an avid sportsman and land conservationist who spends his free time at his family's ranch in Brazoria County.

Ryan Scott – VICE PRESIDENT, RISK MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING

rscott@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8804

Ryan Scott is Vice President for Risk Management and Sustainability Reporting for HBW Resources. Ryan specializes in working with clients to better understand and achieve their goals by identifying risks that exist outside of a company’s core operations. He has developed advocacy strategies and materials for his clients to engage with governments and conducts comprehensive assessments and analyses of non-technical, enterprise-wide risk factors, as well as for specific projects.  The focus of Ryan’s practice is to help clients understand and mitigate non-technical risks so they can focus on their core operations and competencies.

Ryan works with clients to develop an ESG reporting discipline that enables them to do more than simply check the box by focusing on risk identification/mitigation key operational metrics.

Prior to his time at HBW, Ryan worked at Deloitte and Touche’s Strategy and Operations Consulting practice. While there, he worked with clients such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, developing and delivering financial reporting and legal training to an executive team. Serving GMAC, he conducted a bank evaluation and application process to assist its conversion from a state bank into a bank holding company, allowing the client to access crucial TARP funds during the Financial Crisis of 2008.

Ryan received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Southern California, and a JD – MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio.

Meghan Thacker – VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL AND STATE AFFAIRS

mthacker@hbwresources.com
(504) 874-0005

At HBW, Meghan Thacker helps drive productive outcomes for clients on the federal, local, and state government levels. With over 12 years of natural resources policy experience on Capitol Hill working for members of the Louisiana delegation and Senator Steve Daines from Montana, Meghan has a unique ability and expertise to diversify and build coalitions across geographies to advance client goals. She holds key relationships with federal, state, and local officials and industry stakeholders across the country.

During her time on Capitol Hill, she worked on behalf of elected officials to organize and advance their policy and public affairs initiatives from the ground up, including restoration and economic recovery of the Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, hardening public lands from catastrophic wildfires, restoring and rebuilding rural water infrastructure for rural and tribal areas, improving wildlife habitats, enabling conservation projects and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for local communities. Meghan also served as Executive Director of the Senate Western Caucus.

Meghan brings specific expertise that can advance client goals in public land, agriculture, and conservation policy.

On behalf of elected officials and clients, Meghan has led legislative and policy changes pertaining to the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Mineral Leasing Act, National Forest Management Act, Indian water rights settlements, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Great American Outdoors Act, hydropower permitting, and many other laws related to energy, public lands, minerals, and conservation.

After leaving the U.S. Senate, Meghan in 2020 served as President of Big Sky Bluewater Strategies, her own government relations consulting business, where she supported clients in Louisiana, advancing economic incentives for Gulf of Mexico energy producers, and outfitters and guides in Montana during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meghan lives in her hometown of New Orleans and serves clients throughout the Gulf and western regions on behalf of HBW Resources. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Shawn Waldron – DIRECTOR, LEGAL AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

swaldron@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8816

As HBW’s Director of Legal and Government Affairs, Shawn provides in-house legal counsel to HBW Resources. He also assists the Federal Affairs team with regulatory and legislative analysis and consults on policy positions for HBW clients. Shawn primarily supports clients in the oil, gas, and carbon capture industries. Shawn provides additional support for HBW clients through strategic outreach and consultation with industry stakeholders and representatives.

Before joining HBW Resources full-time, Shawn was a Summer Associate in both HBW’s Washington D.C. and Houston, Texas offices, where he assisted in legal and regulatory analysis matters for HBW staff and their clients. Shawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Ursinus College, a J.D., and a Graduate Certificate in Energy Law and Policy from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center.

Chris Ventura – SENIOR DIRECTOR, STATE AFFAIRS

cventura@hbwresources.com
(614) 524-0100

Chris Ventura specializes in monitoring and advocating on energy and environmental policies impacting the Midwestern region’s infrastructure, energy sector and markets.

Prior to joining HBW Resources, Chris served as Senior Project Manager for the Ohio House of Representatives under Speaker William Batchelder. Previously, he also served as Legislative Aide and Clerk of the Policy and Legislative Oversight Committee for State Representative Michael Dovilla.

Chris holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from The American University with a focus on State / Local Government and Management Consulting, and a B.A. in Adolescent Young Adult Social Studies Education from Baldwin Wallace University.

Wendy Hijos – DIRECTOR, STATE AFFAIRS

whijos@hbwresources.com
(518) 817-2791

Wendy Hijos serves as the

New York State Executive Director for HBW Resources. Her energy career began in 2009 when she joined a New York-based retail energy company in a sales role. Wendy’s rapid success in securing new corporate and residential business for natural gas, electricity, energy efficiency, and solar quickly won her promotions to lead a sales district and, a year later, the corporate marketing department. There is where she developed her prowess in advocating for energy.

Wendy covers the entire state of New York and advocates for fair public policy that helps consumers and business owners in New York State grow and thrive. Since the inception of the Community Leadership Climate Protection Act, Wendy has worked diligently to ensure New Yorkers receive safe, affordable, and reliable.

Wendy holds a Bachelor’s of Science and an Associates in Science from SUNY Empire State College and holds SEC Series 6, 63, and 65 licenses. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and has two grown children and three grandchildren.