Tom Stokes named DO&G director

Petroleum News

Tom Stokes, who has been serving as acting director of the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas since Oct. 30, has been named director, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige said Dec. 4.

As director, Stokes will continue to supervise exploration licensing, lease sales, unit management, permitting, royalty accounting, royalty audit, resource evaluation, commercial activities and the State Pipeline Coordinator’s Section. The division has some 99 employees.

Stokes had been serving as state pipeline coordinator prior to his appointment as acting director.

He was with Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. for 28 years in support, compliance and operational assignments, including director of the Valdez Marine Terminal and director of compliance.

“Tom brings an impressive combination of oil and gas industry and management experience that will serve the division and department well,” said Feige. “He’s stepping into busy and exciting times at the Division of Oil & Gas, and we look forward to continuing to support him and the dedicated and talented work force that makes the division such a tremendous asset to the state.”

Stokes earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Southern California and the University of South Dakota, respectively. He also served in the U.S. Army as an artillery officer.

Prior to Stokes’ appointment in October, Jim Beckham served as acting director, taking over in March for former division Director Chantal Walsh.

DNR described the division’s work as managing state lands for oil, gas and geothermal exploration and development in a fair and transparent manner to maximize prudent use of resources for the greatest benefit of all Alaskans and facilitating safe and environmentally conscious operation and maintenance of common carrier pipelines.

- Petroleum News