Our Team
Bill Henley
Director of Field Operations
Bill Henley
Director of Field Operations
Hometown:
Noconca, Tx
Why Energy: I enjoy the challenges that the energy sector creates. You learn something new nearly everyday. I treasure the friendships made along the way and working in various locations.
Passions outside of work: I enjoy spending time with my family, whether it's at the lake, sporting events or just a Sunday lunch after church. I enjoy being a volunteer firefighter. There's no better feeling than helping someone out in their time of need.
Caleb Powell
President
Caleb Powell
President
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: In the last century, energy and its utilities have exponentially elevated the human experience. I want to continue to be a part of the advancement of human life using energy as the fuel. Access to low cost energy has been and will continue to be paramount to fueling basic social needs, driving economic growth, and fueling human development.
Passions Outside of Work: Faith in Jesus Christ, Dallas Mavericks, Cycling, CrossFit, and making fun of myself while doing improv comedy.
Cameron Johnson
Land and Production Analyst
Cameron Johnson
Land and Production Analyst
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: I chose energy because it encompasses a wide variety of unique fields into one. It’s also rewarding to know that the industry benefits people in just about every aspect of their life.
Passions Outside of Work: Dallas sports, hunting/fishing, and exercising.
Chris Cahill
Revenue Accountant
Chris Cahill
Revenue Accountant
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why energy: The energy industry is ever changing which makes for an exciting and fast paced daily environment.
Passions Outside of Work: I love working out and running in my spare time. I also enjoy watching/playing basketball and soccer. I also enjoy reading in my spare time but I differ from most people at Cholla because I enjoy reading fiction novels.
Dante Zaccarello
Assistant Controller
Dante Zaccarello
Assistant Controller
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: I chose energy because of the uniqueness of the industry
Passions outside of work: Family, God, and sports
David Dean
Drilling Engineer
David Dean
Drilling Engineer
Hometown:
Spring, TX
Why Energy: I chose to pursue operations in the oil & gas industry due to its fast paced nature along with the opportunity for continuous learning and problem solving. Another reason I chose this industry is that I see abundantly available energy as the driving force for people to have better lives and opportunities.
Passions Outside of Work: I enjoy relaxing and playing with my two Labradors, cooking healthy meals for my family and working outdoors in the yard.
Fred Lopez
West Texas Superintendent
Fred Lopez
West Texas Superintendent
Hometown:
Ranger, TX
Why energy: "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." – Aristotle
The oil and gas sector is a highly lucrative industry that not only powers the world in which we live, but also enables me to have an exciting career in a field that is constantly innovating.
Passions outside of work: Spending time with my family and enjoying the great outdoors.
Gideon O. Powell
CEO
Gideon O. Powell
CEO
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: The history of energy is one of pioneers, adventure, and innovation. It’s thrilling to be a small part of an industry so critical to elevating the human experience across the world.
Passions Outside of Work: Quality time with Family & friends, Reading all kinds of books, advancing Criminal Justice Reform. I also love building trebuchets…
Grant Wills
Geoscience Manager
Grant Wills
Geoscience Manager
Hometown:
Wall, TX
Why Energy: I chose to pursue a career in energy because it allows me to fulfill my passion for earth science in studying rocks from outcrop to drill bit and understanding how industry continues to utilize cutting edge technology in this development process.
Passions outside of work: When not working I continue with my passion of earth science by enjoying the outdoors however I can. I do this by pursuing my passion of mountain biking with frequent trips to the local bike trails as well as traveling to Bentonville or Palo Duro Canyon. If not on the bike trail, my wife and I enjoy traveling in our jeep to Colorado, New Mexico or Arizona seeing the sights and art in these amazing areas. If not doing these other enjoyable hobbies I can be found playing a frustrating round of golf with friends.
Hector Russo
IT/Account Specialist
Hector Russo
IT/Account Specialist
Hometown:
Lanus – Buenos Aires – Argentina
Why Energy: Energy moves the economy
Passions outside of work: Family, technology, and…technology
Homer Madden
Operations Engineer
Homer Madden
Operations Engineer
Hometown:
Calvin, Oklahoma
Why Energy: Oil and Gas is an ever changing, evolving industry that always brings new challenges and adventures.
Passions Outside of Work: I enjoy time with family & friends, the outdoors but also the indoors (Hiking, camping, kayaking, watching tv, video games).
John-Astin Gardere
Senior Landman
John-Astin Gardere
Senior Landman
Hometown:
Dallas, Texas
Why Energy: Being a part of a company and an industry that is always innovating and evolving to provide resources essential to the development of our country is a job that I thoroughly enjoy.
Passions Outside of Work: Spending time with my family, hunting, fishing and boating.
Kathryn Conaway
Mineral Acquisition Manager
Kathryn Conaway
Mineral Acquisition Manager
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: It’s all I know. I started in the energy industry 48 years ago and have spent the last 29 years learning the energy sector at Cholla.
Passions outside of work: Chain drinking tea, binge watching Law & Order SUV, driving AMG racing autos and healthy relationships.
Mitch Myers
VP of Land & Development
Mitch Myers
VP of Land & Development
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: I enjoy the challenging and dynamic nature of the business as well as the collaboration with land/mineral owners and other partners in the industry.
Passions outside of work: Faith, family, and friends are very important to me. I also enjoy fishing, hunting, and live music.
Polly Whitten
Executive Assistant
Polly Whitten
Executive Assistant
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: I love the people in oil & gas, they make the world run. They love to work hard and usually have a sense of humor.
Passions outside of work: Music and singing, ballroom dancing, and group travel arrangements.
Rachel Sloan
Senior Division Order Analyst
Rachel Sloan
Senior Division Order Analyst
Hometown:
St. Louis, MO (but a Texan at heart)
Why Energy: The energy business is a highly complicated and diverse industry that involves everything from engineering, geology, law, finance, and public policy. The industry is challenging but rewarding because the oil and gas we produce is a vital resource that helps drive the US and global economy. I am proud to be a part of an industry and company that has an entrepreneurial spirit and continues to innovate and develop new technologies which improve our everyday lives.
Three passions outside of work: Building meaningful relationships with others, maintaining a healthy lifestyle & quality of life, drinking red wine.
Richard Russo
Revenue Specialist
Richard Russo
Revenue Specialist
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: I chose the energy industry because I believe it helps humanity achieve new heights and I want to be a part of that.
Passions outside of work: I love studio photography, specifically products. I enjoy working out to stay fit and also teach Martial Arts in a low income area to help kids.
Ryan McColl
VP of Finance & Planning
Ryan McColl
VP of Finance & Planning
Hometown:
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Why Energy: The energy industry is challenging, dynamic, and full of remarkable people. A healthy energy industry is critical to safe guarding a strong and secure national economy.
Passions Outside of Work: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing golf and traveling.
Terry Cahill
CFO
Terry Cahill
CFO
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: Energy sector is fascinating, exciting, innovating, always changing, always developing.
Passions outside of work: Family, sports (mainly basketball).
Tom Obenchain
Regulatory Compliance Officer
Tom Obenchain
Regulatory Compliance Officer
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why Energy: Supplying America’s future energy needs and the strategic importance of our energy independence.
Passions outside of work: Fine Art, Cooking, Violin, Triathlons, CrossFit, Guns, Hunting and performing with the cover band - The Malfunktions.
Tommy Miller
Field Operations Supervisor
Tommy Miller
Field Operations Supervisor
Hometown:
Colorado City, TX
Why energy: Growing up in West Texas, and having my family work in the oil field, it was in my pedigree. I started at the bottom working as a floor hand, and grew my knowledge with a growing company in an always expanding field.
Passions outside of work: Fishing, Hunting, watching 6 man highschool football, & spending time with family.
Vicki Cahill
Accountant
Vicki Cahill
Accountant
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Passions outside of work: Love to hang out with family, especially grandkids, Love to try out new restaurants and prepare new recipes, and Love to garden.
Walker Drewry
VP of Operations
Walker Drewry
VP of Operations
Hometown:
San Antonio, TX (Go Spurs)
Why Energy: Continually harnessing energy more efficiently is what has allowed the human species to become what it is today. My goal is to help Cholla be on the forefront of that progress so that we can help secure prosperity for current and future generations.
Passions outside of work: My free time is typically filled chasing little ones around the house with my wife, but when I do have free time, I love to get outdoors to go hunting or fishing.
Loyd Walter Powell, Jr.
In Memoriam
Loyd W. Powell was a drilling machine born to "make hole" and deliver American oil. While other boys were involved in school activities, young Loyd was constantly by his father's side visiting drilling rigs, catching samples from the shale shaker, and learning the doghouse lingo. After he purchased his first string of drill pipe as a college student, there was no looking back.
At the age of 29, Loyd became CEO of Cholla’s predecessor company L&M from L.W. Powell, Sr. after his passing. He held this title until his passing on September 11th 2021. At the time, the company had $80k in net assets, consisting of $1,811 in cash, $153K in account payables, a couple of stripper wells, and some service equipment. Over the next 50 years, Loyd grew Cholla Petroleum, Inc. into one of Texas' largest independent oil and gas exploration companies, personally overseeing the completion of more than 1,150 oil and gas wells.
Until the very end, even from the hospital bed, Loyd continued to wildcat for oil and gas, reviewing reports, asking for updates on wells and even monitoring progress on his most recent venture into bitcoin mining. Loyd has left operations to his sons who will continue to lead Cholla into the next phase of exploration. By all measurements, Loyd left Cholla in a far better position than it was in 1975.
Loyd was a great leader in the community and mentor to so many in the oil and gas business. There was no one like Loyd Powell. He could decipher a log in no time, sniff out BS, prioritize effectiveness over movement, and would leave no detail unaccounted for. He was in so many ways larger than life—the quintessential Texas oilman. Loyd loved this business and leaves giant shoes to fill.
Loyd took pride in being the youngest member admitted to the Dallas Petroleum Club at the age of twenty-one. He was a proud supporter of the Bullock Texas State History Museum and countless charitable organizations. Additionally, he was an active member of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers, Dallas Wildcat Committee, along with the Dallas Producers Club. He was a longtime member of TIPRO and was honored by them in 2013 for his work in the oil and gas industry.
Loyd's love of the oil and gas business was only overshadowed by his love for his "cute" wife, Michal Powell, and their large, loving family. He considered Michal his most significant discovery; his life changed forever the day he met her. They were each other’s best friends and his beloved wife truly brought him more joy and pride than any well ever did. Together, they had four children and Loyd affectionately took on his father's nickname, to be known as "Slim," to their many grandchildren.
It was of the utmost importance to Loyd that he be an honest businessman with the highest integrity, who preferred to do business on a handshake and take a man at his word. Loyd was an employer who valued his employees. He was a proud Texan and an American patriot. Most importantly, he was a man of quiet yet steadfast faith.
Loyd found great pleasure in spending weekends out at the ranch with his family making sure the grass was well mowed, the cedar trees were chopped, and the cows were fat and happy. He always had his dog riding shotgun and enjoyed a good hunt with his boys. Loyd was an avid collector of Southwestern art and also had an eye for picking out a new dress for his wife. He was a voracious reader and maintained a vast collection of books, particularly highlighting his depth of knowledge of Texas and oil history.
Loyd had a lot of character and was quite a character himself. He said what he thought and never left anyone questioning where he stood. Loyd will be dearly missed but confidently left operations of Cholla to a team of capable leaders.
