John began his career working as a refinery and chemical process engineer with Mobil and later with ExxonMobil. During his tenure, he supported technical and operations of the large integrated refinery/chemical complex in Beaumont, TX. He moved through many roles, working to improve the reliability and safety of the steam cracker, aromatics plant, and offsites. In 2000, John moved into the role of economist, evaluating the feedstocks, business profitability, synergies with the refinery, and capital investment opportunities for the site. John moved from ExxonMobil to LyondellBasell (LYB) in 2005 working to support the Equistar Chemical site at Chocolate Bayou, TX. At Equistar, he was a SME on real-time optimization and advanced process control while working to expand the ethane-cracking capacity of the site until its eventual closure in 2009. From there, John moved to the Equistar Channelview, TX Olefins site where he supported the two world-scale crackers to run safely and reliably. There, he was a SME on Process Hazards Analysis and mitigating process safety risk. From 2010 to 2012, John supported LYB’s Houston Refinery as a planner and economist, evaluating new crudes to improve profitability. In 2012, John moved to LYB headquarters in Houston, TX to plan and optimize the North America 4.5-million ton cracker fleet. In 2016, John moved into the role of a business decision analysis consultant for LYB’s OPAM (Olefins & Polyolefins Americas) business segment where he supported the strategic growth projects for the olefins business.  In 2018, John moved into the role of commercial feedstock trader, securing NGL feedstocks for LYB’s Midwest crackers. In 2020, John moved to his current position as manager of the OPAM business decision analysis team which is currently supporting the business strategy development including the company’s sustainability and circularity targets.

Throughout his career, John has been involved with college recruiting and a champion for employee career development. He a member of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). John also serves on the board of directors for a local non-profit disaster relief organization.

Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers, 2022.