Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has named Mark Varhaug as chair of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. The Governor also appointed Eric Anderson, Ph.D., Rusty Branch, P.G., and Jeremy Ransom to serve on the Board, with their terms set to expire on February 1, 2031. The Board is authorized to establish reasonable fees for applicants and license holders, including those related to application, examination, licensure, and renewal processes. Examination fees in geoscience disciplines are determined by the costs associated with preparing, administering, and grading each exam.

Mark Varhaug is based in Dallas and serves as president of Beacon Hill Energy. He brings over four decades of geology experience and has been a member of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists since August 2018. Varhaug is affiliated with several professional organizations: "He is a life member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and an Executive Committee member of the Division of Professional Affairs for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Additionally, he is a member of the Geological Society of America, Dallas Geological Society, Houston Geological Society, and the West Texas Geological Society. He also volunteers as an officer of the Norwegian Society of Texas." He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Southern Methodist University.

Eric Anderson holds a doctorate in Soil Science from North Carolina State University and leads Mitigation Resources of North America as its president. According to his background provided by the Governor’s office: "He is certified in soil science by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. He is a member of the Ecological Restoration Business Association and the James F. Taylor Masonic Lodge 169." Anderson completed undergraduate studies in Environmental Science and graduate work in Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Rusty Branch works as vice president and senior geoscientist at Gehrig, Inc., holding certification from the state board as well. His leadership includes roles across nonprofit groups: "He has served as a local, state, and national leader in many non-profit and community organizations, including Scouting America, formerly known as Boys Scouts of America, Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, and the American Society of Civil Engineers Geo-Institute." Branch also participates with Fort Worth Community Emergency Response Team. His academic credentials include degrees from Tarleton State University (Earth Science), Baylor University (Biology), and UT Arlington (MBA).

Jeremy Ransom serves as strategic relationship director at Bluespring Wealth Partners. His previous service includes board positions for Hospice Austin and Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas; currently he sits on The Legacy Ranch Youth Football and Cheer board. "He was Honorably Discharged from the United States Marine Corps." Ransom studied Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University before earning advanced degrees from Baylor University (MBA), UT Austin (M.S.), and Mitchell Hamline School of Law (Juris Doctor).

The appointments continue Governor Abbott's practice https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-appointments-to-state-boards-and-commissions2024-05-17/  of naming experienced professionals to key regulatory boards throughout Texas.