Richard W. Rodriguez
As the VP of oil and gas business operations at U.S. Energy Development Corporation, Robert Thaxton sees himself as an educator.
“I recognized early on that energy is not just a technical field; it's a cornerstone of modern society that affects everything from economic stability to environmental health,” Thaxton says. “However, there remains a significant gap in public understanding of how energy systems operate, the challenges involved, and the direct effects on our environment and communities.”
After beginning his career as an engineer, Thaxton shifted to a strategic, business-oriented position in 2020. This change ultimately led him to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin’s working professional MBA program.
“Today, as VP of oil and gas business operations, I’m able to integrate my technical expertise with strategic business insights,” Thaxton says, “which has empowered me to drive operational efficiencies and enhance processes across our organization.”
Thaxton also volunteers at Mission Arlington and contributes to Tarrant County Safe Haven and Cook Children’s.
Person who would play you in a movie: Owen Wilson