Santa Fe, NM – Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department Secretary F. David Martin announced today that David R. Catanach will be the Oil Conservation Division's new director beginning January 1, 2015.

"David has nearly 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including 25 years in the Division," said Secretary Martin. "His expertise in industry regulation includes time in the field as an inspector, as well as significant experience in oil and gas permit oversight. He has considerable knowledge of the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division's rules and regulations. He also has a great deal of experience conducting public hearings, including drafting order recommendations on various types of oil and gas project applications. We are excited for David to assume duties after the first of the year. His experience and skills will prove invaluable for New Mexico."

Catanach has spent the last seven years as a regulatory consultant in the private sector.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to return to the Oil Conservation Division," said David Catanach. "This is an exciting time for oil and gas development as New Mexico continues to play a big role in the overall production of oil and gas for the entire country. I am looking forward to ensuring existing and future oil and gas development continues in an efficient, safe and productive manner."

Catanach started as a state Oil Conservation Division Field Inspector out of Hobbs, New Mexico in 1982. Two years later, in 1984, Catanach transferred within the division to Santa Fe. From 1984 to 2007, Catanach worked out the Santa Fe office as a petroleum engineering specialist and a hearing examiner for the division.

Catanach earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering in May 1982 and is a Santa Fe native.

Catanach fills the open director position following the retirement of Jami Bailey, who served as Oil Conservation Division Director from 2011 until her recent retirement.

The Oil Conservation Division regulates oil, gas, and geothermal activity in New Mexico.