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Category: 2024

Valor Employee Spotlight | Hunter Harris

Posted on by Valor

Welcome to our Valor Employee Spotlight series! In this edition, we’re thrilled to introduce Hunter Harris, Staff Landman. Hunter is a vital member of the Valor family and we can’t wait for you to learn more about him!

Background and Experience

Hunter Harris graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU) with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, where he was a research assistant in the university’s Geology Department, as well as a member of the university’s Division I football program. Prior to joining Valor, Hunter served as a staff geologist for Bertram, Texas-based BBA Engineering, a full-service environmental consulting, hydrogeology, and engineering firm providing a broad range of services to industrial, municipal, and public clientele across Texas and surrounding states. 

Role at Valor

Hunter plays a pivotal role in our Land and Mineral Management department, applying his expertise in geology to our mineral clients’ portfolios. His day-to-day responsibilities center around running title to accurately determine asset ownership for our clients. This crucial process involves meticulously tracing property histories to establish rightful ownership, a foundation of our mineral management services. Hunter also excels in accurately mapping tracts for client assets using our proprietary mineral management software, mineral.tech®. His proficiency with mineral management data and software is key in maintaining the high accuracy and reliability of our platform. Beyond these technical tasks, Hunter is instrumental in supporting the department with the onboarding of new clients, and adapting our strategies to meet their diverse needs. He routinely works with a broad spectrum of clientele, including individuals, families, banks, corporations, and universities, ensuring their unique mineral management needs are met with the highest standard of professionalism and expertise.

Hunter’s Favorites

Outside the Office

  • Outside the office, Hunter is an avid outdoorsman with a deep passion for fishing and hunting. He enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. Away from the wilderness, Hunter enjoys playing the guitar and listening to music with friends. However, the most joyous part of his life is undoubtedly the time spent with his two children. Hunter cherishes every opportunity to bond with his kids, making the most of their time together.

Favorite Drink/Food

Hunter’s favorite food is smoked BBQ, prepared in an offset smoker. He says there is nothing better than enjoying some BBQ and a nice cold beer outside with friends and family.

What Hunter Loves Most About Valor

“The best part about working at Valor is undoubtedly the people. Our leadership team is not just incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, but they have also created an environment that encourages personal growth and development in my role. The people here are the primary reason Valor is a great place to work.” – Hunter Harris

Hunter is a remarkable example of the talent we have here at Valor. Stay tuned for more employee spotlights to learn about the incredible individuals who make Valor a great place to work!

Valor Employee Spotlight | Pam Presswood

Posted on by Valor

Welcome to our Valor Employee Spotlight series! In this edition, we’re thrilled to introduce Pam Presswood, Chief Information Officer (CIO). Pam is a vital member of the Valor family and we can’t wait for you to learn more about her!

Background and Experience

Pam graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. with honors in Computer Science and earned a letter in varsity fast-pitch softball. She has 40 years of dedicated experience in information technologies, having executed multiple highly successful systems and financial application software conversions. Prior to joining Valor, Pam most recently served as the Vice President of Information Systems for Luther King Capital Management, a leading financial and investment services firm with multiple offices in Texas, serving high-net-worth individuals, institutions, foundations, and trusts. She spent over 25 years with the company, first at the director level, before eventually being promoted to the vice-presidential position. Pam also served IBM for eight years. Early on in Pam’s career, she earned an IBM Sales and Marketing Excellence award and completed IBM’s Transformational Leadership Program. Pam still maintains a plaque from IBM with a one-dollar bill commemorating her “First Billable Dollar Fort Worth/West Texas” region when IBM changed from a product manufacturer to a service provider. From that time on, she worked for IBM and as an independent consultant to solve customer’s systems, data, and information processing needs, delivering tailored professional services and focused customized solutions. 

Role at Valor

Following her retirement from LKCM in August 2021, she took the unique opportunity to come out of retirement to join Valor as CIO. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in leading efforts to ensure the technology, IT processes and systems support the unprecedented growth of the company. In 2023 alone, she pioneered a SOC 1 Type II for Valor. In her day-to-day role, Pam designs, deploys and manages the strategic systems infrastructure for Valor. She also oversees the systems architecture, operations, and implementation of business applications as the company continues to expand exponentially. She is involved in various cybersecurity measures and works to ensure that Valor’s proprietary mineral management software, mineral.tech® is secure and optimized.

Pam’s Favorites

Outside the Office

  • Pam is a founding member of the Women Steering Business, a civic-minded nonprofit dedicated to the development and mentorship of the next generation of female business leaders in Fort Worth. Since 2013, the organization has been funding livestock sales from young women who use the proceeds to advance their own education and vocational opportunities. To date it is the second largest sponsor of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and the Junior Sale of Champions, and this year will surpass 2 million dollars in total contributions. In addition to Women Steering Business, Pam was previously a member of the mentor program through Cassata High School in Fort Worth, where she served as a volunteer supporter for fundraising efforts. Pam additionally sat on the Keller Athletic Board, where she helped with fundraising and sports media guides for 5 years. Pam is married and has three children and two grandchildren. She finds immense joy in spending quality time with her grandchildren and taking them around Fort Worth to see all it has to offer!

Favorite Drink/Food

Pam has unique hobbies that include a small vineyard where she and her husband grow and process grapes to make their own wine. She also is certified as a Level 1 Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. In her free time, she loves to enjoy a glass of wine and can often be found snacking on micro-greens that she grows herself!

What Pam Loves Most About Valor

“Valor has provided me with exciting opportunities to learn new technology and to contribute my previous experiences for the success of the business. I thrive in the culture at Valor and I am thrilled to have had this opportunity to meet and work with a fantastic team.” – Pam Presswood

Pam is a remarkable example of the talent we have here at Valor. Stay tuned for more employee spotlights to learn about the incredible individuals who make Valor a great place to work!

Valor 2024 Office Renovations

Posted on by Valor

We are excited to officially unveil Valor’s brand-new office renovations! As a Fort Worth-based company it was important to us that our excellence extends beyond our services to our clients and reaches into our workspace. We believe that a welcoming and collaborative environment is essential for our dedicated teams. The newly renovated spaces allow our oil and gas accounting team and land and mineral management team to work near one another, allowing them to thrive and deliver their best work. These renovations were meticulously designed with the goal of creating a space that our employees can share and look forward to coming to every day.

Additionally, as we celebrate the completion of our office renovations, we’re equally thrilled to unveil our new company sign, standing proudly outside our office, symbolizing a new chapter of growth and exciting things to come!

We look forward to hosting our clients and showing them the newly renovated spaces!

Effectively Managing Regulatory Compliance

Posted on by Valor

In the complex world of oil and gas operations, regulatory compliance stands as a crucial pillar for both operators and investors. The continuously shifting regulatory landscape across state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions poses complex hurdles for producers aiming to adhere to compliance standards. Our expert team remains vigilant in monitoring the latest developments, ensuring we simplify these procedures for you. We strive to shield you from the risk of regulatory examinations, thereby granting you additional time to devote to the growth and advancement of your business.

At Valor, we understand that navigating this landscape can be challenging, yet vital for the sustainability and success of your ventures. Here’s why understanding regulatory compliance is not just important, but essential in the oil and gas industry.

1. Ensuring Legal Operations

Regulatory compliance is fundamental to ensure that all operations are conducted legally. The oil and gas sector is heavily regulated to protect the environment, ensure public safety, and manage resources effectively. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and operational shutdowns. Operators and investors must be well-versed in the laws and regulations specific to the regions in which they operate.

2. Maintaining Trust and Reputation

The public’s perception of oil and gas companies is often influenced by their commitment to regulatory compliance. Violations can lead to negative publicity, diminishing public trust, and potentially harming the company’s reputation. In an era where social responsibility is highly valued, maintaining a clean compliance record is crucial for preserving a positive public image and stakeholder confidence.

3. Mitigating Operational Risks

Compliance with regulations helps in identifying and mitigating various operational risks. This includes risks related to health and safety, environmental hazards, and financial liabilities. By understanding and implementing regulatory requirements, companies can create safer work environments, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and avoid costly disruptions.

4. Enhancing Investment Attractiveness

For investors, compliance is a key indicator of a company’s reliability and stability. Investors are more likely to fund companies that adhere to regulations, as it suggests a lower risk of legal issues and financial penalties. Compliance also indicates sound management practices, making such companies more attractive investment options.

5. Facilitating Market Access and Expansion

Compliance can serve as a gateway for market access and expansion. Many states and regions require strict adherence to regulations before allowing operations. Companies that have a track record of compliance find it easier to enter new markets and expand their operations, thus unlocking new growth opportunities.

6. Environmental Standards

Environmental standards and protection are a central concern in oil and gas operations. Regulations are in place to minimize the impact on natural ecosystems, including air and water quality standards, waste management requirements, and spill response protocols. Understanding and adhering to these regulations not only helps protect the environment but also shields companies from the backlash of environmental damage.

In conclusion, understanding and adhering to regulatory compliance is not just a legal obligation for oil and gas operators and investors, but a strategic imperative. It safeguards legal operations, maintains public trust, mitigates risks, enhances investment attractiveness, facilitates market access, and adheres to environmental standards. At Valor, we specialize in helping our clients navigate the complex web of regulations in the oil and gas sector, ensuring their operations are compliant, efficient, and sustainable.

For more information regarding Valor’s service related to regulatory compliance, click here.

Questions? Ready for support? Contact Valor today.

Our team is prepared to support oil & gas owners with services such as:

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Navigating Severance Tax Filings

Posted on by Valor

The oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, driving progress and powering nations. However, navigating the financial intricacies, especially severance tax filings, can be a daunting task. This is where Valor steps in – as a beacon of expertise and guidance in the complex world of oil and gas taxation.

Understanding Severance Taxes

Severance taxes are levied on the extraction of natural resources such as oil and gas. These taxes are critical to state economies, particularly in regions rich in these natural resources. The complexity arises due to the variability of these taxes – they differ not only by state but also by the type of resource extracted. This landscape necessitates a nuanced understanding, which is where companies like Valor provide invaluable expertise.

The Challenges of Severance Tax Filings

Filing severance taxes is fraught with challenges. Tax rates can vary significantly, and understanding exemptions and deductions requires a detailed knowledge of state laws and regulations. Accurate filing is crucial. Missteps can lead to severe penalties or missed opportunities for maximization of compliance and cost-saving. It’s a delicate balancing act, ensuring adherence to legal obligations while optimizing financial outcomes.

Valor stands at the forefront of this challenging field. Our team of experts brings a wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge. We offer comprehensive services, including accurate tax calculation, thorough compliance checks, and strategic advisory services. We support numerous clients in the oil and gas sector as they rely on us to navigate the intricacies of severance tax filings. For those in the oil and gas industry seeking to navigate the challenges of severance tax filings, Valor is not just a service provider but a partner in success.

Questions? Need support? Contact us today.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.