Our Team
Bill Henley
Director of Field Operations
Bill Henley
Director of Field Operations
Hometown:
Nocona, 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
Accountant
Chris Cahill
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.
Christine Rodrigue
Senior Accountant
Christine Rodrigue
Senior Accountant
Hometown:
I was born in Texas and I’ve been in the Dallas area 37 years now.
Why Energy: There's never a dull moment working in oil and gas. Plenty of ups and downs, but it's a very important and necessary industry. Knowing I play even a small part in providing such a crucial resource to fellow Americans makes it all worth it.
Passions outside of work: My 9 year old son and faith are my top priorities outside of work. My next biggest passion is travel! After that I enjoy staying active with ball room dancing and taekwondo lessons.
Claudia Breedlove
Controller
Claudia Breedlove
Controller
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Why energy: I was first exposed to Oil & Gas in college. I found the industry very fascinating so I knew when entering the corporate world that I wanted to work in Oil & Gas.
Passions outside of work: I love to travel and share new cultures and experiences with my two daughters. I enjoy spending time with my closest friends while drinking nice wines and playing cards. And I'm completely obsessed with my best dog friends Ricky Bobby and Stanley!
Dante Zaccarello
Operational Controller
Dante Zaccarello
Operational 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.
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…
Hector Russo
IT Manager
Hector Russo
IT Manager
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.
Joy O'Brien
Director, Human Resources
Joy O'Brien
Director, Human Resources
Hometown:
Texas born and raised!
Why energy: Our community, workforce, and culture relies heavily on energy, it's a life giving force! I was sincerely drawn to this industry because of the amazing, passionate, and innovative individuals at Cholla Petro--- I was drawn to their energy! Cholla instantly felt like home and where I belong!
Passions outside of work: I enjoy volunteering, giving to others, living an active lifestyle, reading, and enjoying time with friends and family!
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.
Mike Dropkin
Exploration Geologist
Mike Dropkin
Exploration Geologist
Hometown:
Dalton, PA
Why energy: Energy is the economy; money is just a claim on energy.
Passions outside of work: Reading history to understand why totalitarian beliefs are accepted.
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.
Porter Trimble, III
Finance Associate
Porter Trimble, III
Finance Associate
Hometown:
Westlake, TX
Why Energy: The energy industry is very challenging, fast paced, and dynamic. There is always something to be doing and never a dull moment.
Passions outside of work: I enjoy the outdoors, whether it be working in my yard, golfing, hunting, or fishing. I also enjoy watching most sports and hanging out with family and friends.
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.
Robert Johnston
HSE Coordinator
Robert Johnston
HSE Coordinator
Hometown:
Born at Sheppard A.F.B. in Wichita Falls, TX and proudly raised in Nocona, TX
Why energy: Growing up in Montague County you hear all kinds of amazing stories about the oil field, including many that I heard from my grandfather about his time in the oil patch years ago. I was already intrigued by the industry and when I had the opportunity to enter into the field I did.
Passions outside of work: I enjoy time with my family and friends, organic gardening, fishing, hunting, and golfing. I also enjoy volunteer work for the tax assistance program (VITA) sponsored by the United Way during the tax season.
Ryan McColl
CFO
Ryan McColl
CFO
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.
Susan LeBlanc
Office Manager
Susan LeBlanc
Office Manager
Hometown:
Euless, TX
Why Energy: Enjoy playing a small role in a God given resource that is so vital to our way of life.
Passions outside of work: My faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, spending quality time with family and friends, and especially watching my little man of a grandson shark fishing and my older grandson coming into his own.
Terry Cahill
CFO Boulders Group
Terry Cahill
CFO Boulders Group
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
West Texas Supervisor
Tommy Miller
West Texas 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.
