June 2013

La. Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DNR)

OFFICE OF CONSERVATION

INJECTION AND MINING DIVISION

NEW DIVISION DIRECTOR NAMED

            Commissioner of Conservation James H. “Jim” Welsh announced today that S.H. "Steve" Lee has been selected as the new Injection and Mining Division Director, replacing Joseph Ball, who will retire this July with over 28 years of outstanding public service.

            Commissioner Welsh said that Lee once worked as a geologist in the division from 1997 to 2008. After a departure from the Injection and Mining division, Lee earned a Juris Doctorate from Southern University and joined the Louisiana state bar in 2008.

            Welsh believes that Lee will excel in this new leadership capacity -  saying he has all the best skills needed for this very challenging job. Lee earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from from Louisiana Tech University in 1982. In 1994, he earned a Master's degree in Business Administration. He has extensive industry and consulting experieince in the private oil and gas sector. Lee begins his new duties as Division Director in June 2013.  

 OTHER CHANGES WITHIN OFFICE OF CONSERVATION 

 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Laurence Bland, Asst. Injection and Mining Director, retires, July 2013

Brent Campbell, named Engineering Director for Regulatory Affairs, will oversee  the Inspection and Enforcement office, Underwater Obstruction office, Oilfield Site Restoration Program, and All District Offices

Todd Keating, named Engineering Director for Administrative Affairs, will oversee the Production Audit office, Permits and Reservoirs office, Unitization hearings, File and Records office

James Mergist, named Pipeline Safety Director  (Asst. Pipeline Safety, vacant)

John Adams, named Office of Conservation Attorney Supervisor and Tyler Gray, Attorney