03/25/2025

Member Perspective: Troy N. Thompson

USAEE NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2025

Joining the United State Association for Energy Economics (USAEE) was a rewarding moment in my professional journey, deeply influenced by my mentors. I developed many rich business relationships and lifelong friends.

My first job in the energy industry was with Halliburton. My bosses there, Dale Davis and Carl Garrison, were both respected members of USAEE, and they were enthusiastic supporters of my involvement. The first USAEE annual conference I attended was in Boston in 1996. I did not know anybody and felt slightly intimidated, but I met Dennis O'Brien, the chief economist at Caltex in Dallas, Texas, and a long-time member, who graciously took me under his wing and introduced me to several members. I also had the pleasure of meeting Peter Hartley from Rice University and Jim Sweeney from Stanford University, whose insights and expertise further fueled my enthusiasm for the field. They were always available for me, and both were so welcoming.

Coming from an academic background and now working in industry, I was particularly drawn to USAEE because of its unique blend of academia and industry. This mix provided a well-rounded perspective on energy economics, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and insights were shared. It was at USAEE that I also met Dave Williams Sr. and Jr., both of whom I had the privilege of working with for many years. Dave Sr.'s wisdom and gentle nature left a lasting impact on me, and I miss him dearly.

In Houston, my involvement with the USAEE deepened as I became active with the local Houston Chapter. I served as an officer for several years and eventually as President. When I joined in 1996, our meetings were held at the old Petroleum Club on top of the ExxonMobil building, a venue with stunning views of downtown Houston. I fondly remember meeting Bill Gilmer, an executive officer at the Federal Reserve Bank, downtown and walking over to the Petroleum Club together. Bill was influential in getting me involved in the local chapter. I am proud to say that we still have a vibrant chapter, and I always try to regularly attend our local chapter meetings.

USAEE has been more than just a professional association for me; it has been a community where I have built lasting relationships and gained invaluable knowledge. The experiences and connections I have made through USAEE have profoundly shaped my career, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided. I was honored to be the President of USAEE and serving on the councils for the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) and USAEE. I was also extremely fortunate that my supervisors at Halliburton, Deloitte and Chevron were supportive of my involvement and allowed me to travel to several USAEE and IAEE conferences. I encourage anyone working in the energy industry to become a member of USAEE and become involved with the organization.

Troy N. Thompson (troy.thompson@ag.tamu.edu) is a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Studies at Texas A&M University.