Governor Abbott Appoints Six to Texas Energy Reliability Council

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Brad Jones, Nate Murphy, George Presses, Edward Stones, Jon Taylor, and Melissa Trevino to the Texas Energy Reliability Council for terms at the pleasure of the Governor. The Texas Energy Reliability Council was established to ensure that the energy and electric industries in this state meet high priority human needs and address critical infrastructure concerns, and enhance coordination and communication in the energy and electric industries in this state.

Brad Jones of Liberty Hill is the Interim CEO of ERCOT. He has over 35 years of experience in the electric energy industry. He is a former board member of March of Dimes, Gulf Coast Power Association, Atlas Scholars, and St. Peters Health Partners. Jones received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Nate Murphy of San Antonio is Senior Counsel for Valero. He is a corporate member representative for the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Texas Industrial Energy Consumers, Louisiana Energy Users Group, Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers, Texas Energy Coalition, and the Association of Oil Pipe Lines. Additionally, he is a member of the California State Bar and an inactive member of the Colorado State Bar. Murphy received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and a Master of Public Administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio. 

George Presses of San Antonio is Vice President of Fuel & Energy for H-E-B, where he has worked since 1998. Presses received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental Science from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Edward Stones of Houston is the Global Business Director for Energy & Climate Change for Dow, Inc. He has more than 25 years of experience in energy, plastics, and hydrocarbon markets. Stones received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University.

Jon Taylor of Austin is the Corporate Vice President of Fab Engineering and Public Affairs at Samsung Austin Semiconductor, where he is responsible for factory engineering for operations including safety, quality, cost, and productivity for all production equipment and supporting personnel. He has over 30 years of experience as a process engineer. He is a member of the Texas State University Engineering Advisory Board and the American Heart Association Executive Committee. Taylor received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire.

Melissa Trevino of Houston is the Assistant Vice President for Power at Occidental Energy Ventures, where she leads the energy management team and oversees the power reporting and compliance group. She has worked for Occidental since 2003. She is a mentor for American Corporate Partners. Trevino received a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the Texas Tech University.