As you might have all read in industry news, the South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable has seen a change in leadership. After 6 years, Omar Garcia, STEER’s founding President and CEO, accepted an offer as the Port of Corpus Christi’s Chief External Affairs Officer. While we are sad to see him go, we look forward to what the future holds in the oil and gas industry Eagle Ford Shale region.
For the last five and a half years, I have served as Director and Vice President of STEER, and have worked hand in hand with my friend and former boss Omar Garcia to build STEER as the premier stakeholder-focused oil and gas trade association in America. I am happy to share I have recently accepted the position as Interim President of STEER. I am excited to step into this new role, and assure you that STEER will continue to be a source of information concerning the oil and gas industry throughout South Texas. You will continue to see STEER in the Eagle Ford area communities, speaking with the stakeholders in South Texas and ensuring collaboration while producing the energy supply for our nation and beyond.
After celebrating the 10-year anniversary of shale production in the Eagle Ford in October, it’s clear that the oil and gas industry has benefitted South Texas in many ways. The economic impact, growth in the communities of South Texas and job numbers are unmatched.
STEER board members and staff remain committed to the communities of South Texas and are prepared to adapt to the changing industry environment.
The STEER team and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead a team of members who are truly dedicated to those living and working in South Texas. I look forward to a successful 2019 at STEER!
More about Christopher Ashcraft
Interim President
As President and former Vice President of the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable (STEER), Ashcraft facilitates communication, education and public advocacy surrounding the production of energy resources in South Texas. An experienced industry leader, Ashcraft works directly with the oil and natural gas industry, local officials, community members, regional stakeholders, educational institutions and economic development organizations to ensure that the oil and natural gas industry in South Texas is advancing in a positive way that is mutually beneficial to both the community and the industry.
Prior to joining STEER, Ashcraft served as the Alternative Energy Transportation Manager with the Alamo Area Council of Governments. There, he founded the South Central Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Consortium and managed the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition. Ashcraft has provided environmental, alternative energy and agricultural analysis to the federal government and numerous state and local organizations. While employed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, he assisted with issues related to agriculture, rural communities, and alternative energy.
Ashcraft is currently pursuing an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maine with a minor in military science and leadership development. Upon graduation, Christopher Ashcraft received a Commission as an Officer in the United States Army where he completed his military service obligations with an honorable discharge. Ashcraft has twin daughters, Aurelia and Francesca. Visit STEER.com to learn more about the STEER team.
