Gene Shepherd stands as the Chief Executive Officer at the helm of Vtx Energy Partners, LLC, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the energy sector. His leadership at VTX Energy Partners is built upon a foundation of entrepreneurial spirit and deep industry knowledge, cultivated over decades in both financial and operational roles.
Before establishing VTX Energy Partners, Shepherd demonstrated his ability to build and lead successful ventures as the founder and CEO of Brigham Resources, LLC. From 2013 until February 2017, he guided Brigham Resources until the significant sale of its Southern Delaware Basin assets to Diamondback Energy. This successful exit underscores his strategic acumen and ability to create substantial value in the energy market.
Shepherd’s expertise extends far beyond his recent ventures. He possesses over 20 years of comprehensive financial and operational experience within the energy industry. A significant portion of this experience was gained during his tenure as Chief Financial Officer of Brigham Exploration Company from 2002 until its acquisition by Statoil ASA in December 2011. His financial leadership during this period was crucial to Brigham Exploration’s growth and eventual successful sale.
Earlier in his career, Shepherd honed his financial skills in the investment banking sector. He served as Integrated Energy Managing Director for ABN AMRO Bank’s investment banking division. In this role, he was instrumental in executing mergers, acquisitions, and capital market transactions for numerous energy companies. He held similar positions at Prudential Securities Incorporated, Stephens Inc., and Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, consistently focusing on serving clients within the energy sector.
Shepherd’s understanding of the energy industry is not solely limited to finance and management. He began his career as a petroleum engineer, spending over four years with Amoco Production Company and the Railroad Commission of Texas. This early hands-on experience provides him with a unique operational perspective, complementing his financial expertise and informing his strategic decisions at VTX Energy Partners.
A strong believer in education and industry engagement, Shepherd is actively involved with the University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of the Executive Council of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center and the Engineering Advisory Board of the Cockrell School of Engineering. In 2017, he was recognized for his contributions to the field by being awarded the school’s Distinguished Engineering Graduate Award. Further demonstrating his commitment to the energy industry, Shepherd serves on the board of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. He has also contributed to the community through his service on various nonprofit boards, including KIPP Austin Public Schools, the Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Trinity Center.
Shepherd’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering (1981) and an MBA (1986), both from the University of Texas at Austin. This robust educational background, combined with his extensive practical experience, positions Gene Shepherd as a highly qualified and effective CEO, driving VTX Energy Partners forward in the dynamic energy landscape.
