Mike Paules, has nearly 30 years of experience in the upstream and downstream oil and gas industry as an employee of and consultant to major and large independent companies. His previous positions include serving as an exploration geologist, hydro geologist, environmental coordinator, environmental project manager, and environmental, health and safety (EH&S) manager. He assumed his current role as Senior Staff Regulatory Advisor for WPX Energy in March 2011. He is responsible for identifying, analyzing and addressing significant technical and regulatory issues related to oil and gas development and represents the company’s and industry’s interests through interactions with federal, state and local regulatory agencies. In this role, he actively participates in various committees and work groups for national, regional and local trade organizations. Mr. Paules served as the Regional EH&S Manager for Williams Production RMT Company from 2004 to 2011. He was responsible for developing and implementing policies, programs and systems for EH&S regulatory permitting, compliance and performance in exploration and production, and midstream gathering and processing operations. He managed an EH&S and regulatory staff of over 30 persons located in regional and field offices.