BACKOctober 22, 2018
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO – Today, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA) announced the election of Claire Chase, of Mack Energy Corporation, as the organization’s new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Chase, a native of New Mexico, is the first woman, and youngest, to hold the Chairmanship in the 90-year history of NMOGA.
“I am honored to have been elected to lead an organization that represents New Mexico’s most important private industry, oil and natural gas,” said NMOGA Chairman Claire Chase. “Oil and natural gas producers across New Mexico contribute so much to our state, responsible for more than 100,000 New Mexico jobs and one-third of the state’s budget for schools, roads, and healthcare. Now more than ever, New Mexico needs a strong oil and gas industry to make our state stronger, and give our children the bright future they deserve. That’s what NMOGA and this industry has stood for, and we’ll continue to make all our children and their futures a priority.”
Chase is Director of Government Affairs for Mack Energy Corporation, an independent energy company founded in 1988 by Mack C. Chase involved in oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production in Southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. Headquartered in Artesia, the company is one of New Mexico’s leading private energy companies, employing nearly 1,000 people across the company and affiliates.
Chase succeeds Ken Waits, CEO of Mewbourne Oil Company, as Chairman, and has served on NMOGA’s Board of Directors for three years. She previously worked as a legislative aide to Congressman Steve Pearce, and saved as a Financial Advisor at the New Mexico Finance Authority. Chase is a native of Roswell, where she graduated from New Mexico Military Institute, and then attended New Mexico State University where she received her B.A. degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. From 2017-2018, she served as President of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico. Chase, and her husband Chance, reside in Roswell, with their two-year-old twins.
“Claire is an exciting leader for our organization, ushering in a new generation of leadership for the industry as we enter an unparalleled period of growth for oil and natural gas in New Mexico,” said NMOGA Executive Director Ryan Flynn. “Having been in and around this industry for her entire life, she understands firsthand the value of a strong energy sector and will fight to keep our industry, and New Mexico, strong.”
New Mexico’s oil and natural gas industry is currently in the midst of unprecedented growth, with the state having set annual records in oil production and number of active rigs. At the beginning of 2018, figures from the United States Energy Information Administration showed New Mexico is now the country’s third-largest producer of oil. This growth led to a recovery of New Mexico’s economy and finances, with the state now reporting a whopping $1.4 billion budget surplus largely driven by the oil and gas industry. Most of the state’s revenue goes to funding for public education.
About NMOGA
The oil and natural gas industry is New Mexico’s top economic driver, responsible for more than 100,000 New Mexico jobs and accounting for $1.742 Billion in tax revenue for schools, health care, and public safety. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA) has more than 1,000 members and represents the hard-working men, women, and families of the oil and natural gas industry in New Mexico. NMOGA is dedicated to promoting safe and responsible energy policies, while strengthening New Mexico’s economy and ensuring a bright future for our state’s children.