Carlsbad's Missi Currier taps into her roots to lead New Mexico Oil and Gas Association
Missi Currier’s family lived in Carlsbad for seven generations, deep in the Permian Basin where New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is centered in its southeast region.
It’s the busiest oilfield in the U.S., producing about 5.8 million barrels of oil per day, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), almost half of the almost 12 million bpd produced nationwide.
On Tuesday Currier was tapped to helm the state’s largest oil and gas trade group, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, chosen to represent her community and its economically defining fossil fuel industry.
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She said she’s spent her entire career, since graduating from Carlsbad High School in 2004, working directly or in support of the oil and gas industry.
After graduating with a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University, Currier worked in government affairs for some of the region’s largest industries, companies like XTO Energy and Nuclear Waste Partnership – the former contractor hired to run the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.
She also served as president and chief executive of the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County.
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Now as president and CEO of NMOGA Currier said she plans to continue telling the story of southeast New Mexico and the industry’s role in Santa Fe, working closely with lawmakers and officials.
Although Currier will leave her hometown to reside in New Mexico’s capital, she said she’ll never forget her past in the Cavern City and the community that helped build her career.
“I feel very fortunate that I grew up in Carlsbad and have been very grateful to work either directly in industry or jobs that support the industry,” Currier said. “I believe this will help show the rest of the state the benefits of the industry.
“I will forever be a Carlsbad girl at heart and will consider that home. Carlsbad, Eddy and Lea County will always be top of mind for me. It is the epicenter of energy production in the U.S.”
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She said she expected oil and gas and the Permian Basin to remain a leading economic driver for New Mexico, reported to provide about half of New Mexico’s General Fund revenue in Fiscal Year 2023, according to the latest state budget analysis.
But analysts also predicted recently that peak demand for oil and gas could be as soon as 2033, leading to a gradual production decline in the decades after.
For now, Currier said her work with NMOGA will support continued operations, even as new energy sectors like wind and solar power emerge in the state.
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She said she’s made a career of balancing perspectives from both sides of the aisle, but believes fossil fuels will play a crucial role in energy development “through 2050 and beyond” both in New Mexico and worldwide.
“NMOGA is fully committed to find a balanced energy mix. We always want to engage in constructive discussions to understand everybody’s perspective,” she said. “We completely understand the necessity of oil and gas, and it’s something we’ll work diligently to protect.
“NMOGA’s main roles is to protect the industry’s license to operate. I am fully committed to keep lines open among all legislators to ensure we have a balance mix and conversation.”
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That means debating and fine-tuning legislation related to water, environmental regulations, ensuring resources are protected, Currier said, while allowing New Mexico’s economy to flourish.
“I would envision, because of the global economy and the Permian and San Juan basins working so efficiently, in January the state will have more money than it knows what to do with,” she said.
Along with fighting for policy decisions and bills that support the industry, and advocating against those that could stymie it, Currier said she views her role as that of a storyteller, personalizing the oil and gas industry and the needs it fills for people across the world daily.
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She said daily tasks people take for granted, like taking a shower, putting on makeup or driving a car are all possible because of oil and gas produced in New Mexico.
“All of those things would be possible without oil and gas but it’s more affordable with oil and gas,” Currier said. “If we can help personalize that for others that don’t live in the Permian Basin, that can help spread our message.”
In the short-term, Currier will serve in a dual role also as interim director of the United Way of Eddy County, aiding its board of directors in finding a permanent leader of that organization.
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Even as she’s poised to lead NMOGA as a spokesperson, lobbyist and leader in New Mexico’s biggest industry, Currier said she was committed to the local needs of her community.
“Even as I start this new role with NMOGA, the United Way of Eddy County will remain an absolute priority and the doors will remain open with the staff and me so fully committed to the organization’s efforts,” she said.
That’s a point Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said would help bolster the city and region’s place in policy decisions made in Santa Fe.
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“This is an excellent day for Carlsbad and for our state’s critical energy industry. Dr. Currier is well versed in all energy issues, and, as a native of Carlsbad, she also understands this community and Southeast New Mexico, in addition to the New Mexico legislature,” Janway said.
“Dr. Currier is also an excellent team player who will do a great job working with a wide variety of groups across the state while representing New Mexico’s oil and gas industry. NMOGA clearly made the right decision, and we congratulate Missi on this great accomplishment.”
NMOGA Board Chair Betty Read Young said Currier brought expertise in environmental and policy issues to the position, which Young said would help ensure the Association’s and industry’s sustainability.
“She is the right person to guide our association and the industry toward a more sustainable and responsible future,” Young said. “Her passion for innovation, commitment to environmental stewardship, and ability to build strong partnerships will undoubtedly strengthen NMOGA’s position as a driving force for positive change."
Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Carlsbad's Missi Currier to lead New Mexico Oil and Gas Association
