State Representative Drew Darby currently represents ten counties in West Texas, spanning the Big Country, Concho Valley, and Permian Basin. Chairman Darby is a lifelong West Texan, a native of San Angelo, and attended San Angelo public schools. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in finance and minoring in accounting. He also earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Chairman Darby currently serves as chairman of the House Committee on Redistricting, as a member of the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, and as a member of the Committee on Energy Resources. Additionally, Representative Darby is Vice Chairman of The Energy Council. A successful businessman, Representative Darby owns Surety Title, which has offices throughout West Texas. He is also of counsel to the Energy and Real Estate practice group at the law firm of Jackson Walker, LLP. 

Drew and his wife, Clarisa, have five children and eleven grandchildren. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church of San Angelo.

Trevor Best is the CEO and Co-Founder of Syzygy Plasmonics. Before starting Syzygy, Trevor worked for the oilfield services company Baker Hughes. There he held a variety of management positions and gained expertise in technology development, project and personnel management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. As CEO of Syzygy he has raised $135 million to successfully scale the technology and has become a trusted leader in the hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuel sectors.

Tingting Chen serves as a Senior Technical Leader within the Advanced Generation and Carbon Capture and Storage Program at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). She brings over 12 years of multidisciplinary engineering experience in the energy sector, with a strong focus on subsurface technologies and economic analysis.

Her expertise spans underground carbon dioxide (CO₂) geologic sequestration, CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (EOR), underground hydrogen storage, techno-economic evaluation of petroleum systems, and reservoir modeling and simulation. At EPRI, Dr. Chen leads several strategic initiatives, including integrated prefeasibility assessments for carbon capture, transport, and storage at power generation facilities, as well as the evaluation of underground hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs and saline aquifers

Dr. Chen has worked extensively across major geologic basins in the United States and internationally, including regions in Africa, Canada, China, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and South America. She holds a Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental, and Petroleum Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Wyoming.

Mike Curtis currently serves as the Carbon and Energy Technology Fellow in Dow's Energy and Climate Technology Center, where he is responsible for developing and communicating strategies related to low carbon electricity and heat technologies for chemical manufacturing. Mike began his career in applied R&D and spent several years in Manufacturing & Engineering before joining Dow’s Energy and Climate business.

Mike holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in Organometallic Chemistry and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University before joining Dow.

Dr. Franek Hasiuk is a Principal Research Geologist at Sandia National Laboratories, where he applies his skills in the geochemical and petrophysical analysis of rocks to various projects in subsurface energy. Franek earned his PhD from the University of Michigan and his professional career has included ExxonMobil Upstream Research, Iowa State University, and the Kansas Geological Survey. Now at Sandia, he works on a variety of projects related to geologic and stored hydrogen, nuclear waste, geothermal, lithium, carbon storage, salt, and road building materials. The through-going theme is the need to turn rocks into numbers and build geological models with them.

Brian A. Korgel is the Director of The University of Texas at Austin Energy Institute and the Rashid Engineering Regents Chair Professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering. He also directs the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) for a Solar Powered Future (SPF2050), the Nanotechnologies area of the UT Austin Portugal Program at UT, and serves as Associate Editor of the journal, Chemistry of Materials. He is a former Fulbright Fellow and has been Visiting Professor at the University of Alicante in Spain, the Université Josef Fourier in France and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.

He received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from UCLA in 1997 and was a post-doctoral fellow at University College Dublin, Ireland, in the Department of Chemistry. He has given more than 260 invited talks and published more than 280 papers. He is also an artist, exploring language and human/technology cohabitation.

He has co-founded two companies, Innovalight and Piñon Technologies, and received various honors including the 2012 Professional Progress Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and election to Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

Dr. Toti Larson is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin Bureau of Economic Geology and PI of the Mudrock Systems Research Laboratory (MSRL) research consortium. Toti is the PI of an ARPA-E project titled: “Sustainable H2 production from abiotic catalyst-enhanced stimulation of iron-rich rocks”. As a geologist and geochemist his research focuses on subsurface reservoir characterization using core-based measurements and characterizations. Toti’s research on hydrogen is focused on experimentally-derived reaction rates of hydrogen production from iron-bearing rocks, exploring subsurface hydrogen systems, and developing abiotic catalysts that will enhance production of hydrogen from iron-bearing rocks.

Dr. Thomas Lavertu is a Senior Engineer in the Advanced Engine Technologies group at Wabtec Corporation. He has been with Wabtec/GE for the past 17 years which includes 10 years at GE Global Research and the past 7 years at GE Transportation/Wabtec. Dr. Lavertu’s career has been focused on engine performance and emissions. At GE Global Research he led multiple projects aimed at improving engine fuel consumption and emissions for locomotive engines. This includes being the project leader for the Tier 4 engine development for which he was an integral part in defining an industry leading engine capable of meeting Tier 4 emissions regulations without the need for aftertreatment. Dr. Lavertu has continued to develop engine technologies for reduced fuel consumption and emissions at Wabtec and he is currently focused on investigating alternative fuels and technologies to improve engine efficiency for freight locomotives. He has a demonstrated track record of innovation, demonstrated by his 63 patents across an array of engine technologies in current products. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers where he currently serves as the Senior Vice President for the Technical and Engineering Communities Sector. Prior to his professional career, Dr. Lavertu obtained a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University.

Michael Lewis is the Director of the Center for Electromechanics at the University of Texas at Austin. He has over 25 years of experience in advanced research and technology development with a focus on alternative fuels and renewable energy for transportation and stationary power applications, including hydrogen power and energy systems. His team has developed, built, and tested fuel cell hybrid vehicles ranging from small utility trucks, to transit buses, to medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Beyond vehicles, his team has also investigated materials-based hydrogen generation technologies, alternative storage vessel designs, and the use of linear motor driven compressors and expanders for hydrogen fueling. Mr. Lewis is currently leading UT’s efforts on the DOE H2@Scale in Texas project, which has developed a hydrogen technology R&D facility known as the Hydrogen ProtoHub. In addition, he will lead UT’s efforts in supporting the technical data and analysis workgroup for HyVelocity, the Gulf Coast Clean Hydrogen Hub.

Ning Lin is the Chief Economist at the Center for Energy Economics (CEE) in the Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin. CEE’s mission is to translate energy data, engineering insight, and market analysis into decision-ready solutions—bringing academia, government, and industry together to develop system-level strategies for reliable, affordable, and lower-carbon energy.

Dr. Lin has 20 years of experience in advanced market analysis and technology-commercialization across natural gas, power, hydrogen, and downstream industrial value chains. Prior to UT Austin, she led global market analytics and commercial development at Shell Trading, Koch Industries, and Tenaska, with work spanning petrochemical derivatives, intermediate chemicals, polymers and fibers, and large capital project development, including technology licensing, market entry, and investment evaluation.

Her current portfolio centers on two fronts: (1) large-load energy and resource management for data centers and power-intensive industry—integrating power, gas, and water planning to guide siting, interconnection, firming strategies, and community considerations across Texas; and (2) hydrogen value-chain valuation—from production through midstream networks, geological storage, and ammonia markets. She leads the development of HyFive, a screening and valuation framework for underground hydrogen storage that links geology, engineering, and economics; supports hub-scale planning in Texas; and advances decision tools on water use and quality for emerging hydrogen systems.

Josh McMorrow serves as the CEO of Path2 Hydrogen AG (FRA:PTHH), a publicly traded company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and as Executive Chairman of GenH2. Josh is a seasoned executive of public and private global companies in industries including hydrogen, industrial gases, energy storage, specialty chemicals and energy production. Josh has led teams on six continents and brings a unique mix of business and legal acumen to bear. Josh guided the $5 billion IPO of Atotech on the NYSE in 2021 as well as the company’s subsequent strategic sale to MKS Instruments in 2022.

With Path2 Hydrogen's acquisition of GenH2 in 2025, the companies are focused on creating a leading pure-play hydrogen public company with essential technology to liquefy, transfer, store, and dispense liquid hydrogen. 

Josh has a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Trinity University and holds a J.D., with honors, from The University of Texas School of Law.

Dr. Saleh received a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1991. He joined Shell Development Company in Houston in 1991 and served as a research engineer until 2003 focusing on research in seismic data processing and interpretation.  From 2004 to 2008, Dr. Saleh led the New Detection Methods R&D team in Shell International E&P Inc. with responsibility for research on controlled-source electromagnetics, remote sensing systems, and high-resolution gravimetric and magnetic capabilities.  From 2009 to 2018, Dr. Saleh was General Manager of Shell’s Integrated Geoscience R&D program, focused on the application of computational science and machine learning methods to integrate advances in geology, geophysics, and petrophysics.  From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Saleh was Professor in the Practice at Rice University in Houston. Since 2021, he has been a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin where he holds the positions of Research Consultant at the Bureau of Economic Geology, and Professor of Practice at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

Prabhdeep Singh Sekhon is CEO of Gold H₂, a climate technology and energy company revolutionizing energy through subsurface biotechnology. His company uses microbiology coupled with existing hydrocarbon infrastructure to transform depleted oil fields into cost-effective, sustainable hydrogen underground. He brings 20 years of global experience leading multi-billion-dollar projects across five continents in energy, climate tech, venture capital, and private equity. At Gold H₂, Prab is scaling one of the world’s lowest-cost hydrogen solutions.

Previously, Prab held leadership roles at NextEra Energy Resources, where he was charged with shaping and executing a $2 billion Haynesville development program. He also led corporate venture capital and energy strategy initiatives focused on decarbonization and FOAK technologies. At Hess Corporation, he held technical and business development roles, delivering exploration, appraisal, and development projects in offshore West Africa and North American unconventionals. He is a founder and Managing Director of GreenLite Resources, a lithium exploration company that acquires critical mineral assets in North America. Prab is also a founding member of Cotogna Sports Group, a private equity firm investing in and transforming global sports franchises. Prab holds an MBA from Wharton, an M.Eng. from Texas A&M, and a B.Sc. from the University of Calgary, where he competed as an international athlete.

Susan M. Shifflett has over 25 years of experience in the clean fuels industry, with a deep commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions across Texas and beyond. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Texas Hydrogen Alliance, where she leads efforts to expand hydrogen markets, including transportation infrastructure and refueling stations throughout the state.

In her role, Ms. Shifflett works closely with Alliance members to develop and promote hydrogen-related legislation at both the state level. She leverages a strategic mix of industry partnerships, government programs, energy education, and community relations to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technologies.

Prior to this position, she served as President of the Texas Clean Fuels Alliance (formerly the Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance), where she was instrumental in advancing alternative fuel initiatives. She is also the founder of S3 Services, a consulting firm offering safety training, permitting support, and grant writing services to public and private entities transitioning to clean, sustainable fuels.

Ms. Shifflett’s previous roles include Marketing Coordinator for the Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division at the Railroad Commission of Texas.

She holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Texas Christian University. She currently resides in Burton, Texas.

Mark Shuster is Decputy Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin overseeing the Bureau’s Energy Research Division. Mark also leads the GeoH2 Industrial Affiliate Program (consortium) at the University of Texas at Austin. The GeoH2 consortium conducts research on geological storage of hydrogen, hydrogen value chains, and novel subsurface concepts applied to hydrogen.  In addition to leading GeoH2, Mark co-authored the U.S. National Petroleum Council’s study on the deployment of low carbon intensity hydrogen. Mark joined the Bureau in 2016 after retiring from Shell. In Mark’s 30 year career at Shell, he worked in upstream research and exploration as a Geologist, Manager, Vice President, and Executive Vice President in the US, The Netherlands, Australia, Oman, and the U.A.E. on projects around the globe. Mark is a member of Society of Petroleum Engineers, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and the Geological Society of America. He is past president of the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, former Vice-Chair of the American Geosciences Institute Foundation, and Trustee of the AAPG Foundation. Mark has a PhD in Geology from the University of Wyoming and a B.S. from the University of the Pacific. 

Luiz Soriano has more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry on various leadership roles in Quality, Manufacturing, Applications and Sales, including more than 12 years of experience in the design of reciprocating compression solutions. During this time, he successfully developed multiple H2 compressors for different applications like Liquefaction, Underground Storage, Pipeline and Renewable Fuels among others. He is currently Key Account Manager at Neuman & Esser, a leading provider of Reciprocating Compressors and Electrolyzer Systems, where he is focused on development of compression and electrolyzer solutions across the entire H2 value chain. He is a Mechanical Engineer with MBA in Business Administration.

Allen (Al) Toweill is a Hydrogen Delivery Manager within the Innovation group of the Chevron Technology Center and has been with Chevron for 25 years. His current focus areas include hydrogen and other lower carbon fuels.

Before joining CTC, Al managed Chevron’s Biofuels Compliance Strategy (including California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard compliance program), was a project manager for the West Coast Supply Chain Optimization group and held positions of increasing responsibility within Richmond and El Segundo refineries in process engineering and planning. 

Al joined Chevron in 2000 as a Chemical Engineer from University of Washington. Al enjoys backpacking and other outdoor endeavors.