Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast

The Permian Basin continues to play a critical role in powering America and its future will depend on strong leadership, innovation, investment and collaboration across the region.
In this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, host Krista Escamilla sits down with Sam Sledge, CEO of ProPetro, and Tracee Bentley, CEO of the Permian Strategic Partnership, for an important conversation about the future of the Permian Basin and the energy industry.
Sam and Tracee discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the Permian, what it takes to lead through a changing energy landscape, and why collaboration between industry, communities and regional leaders is so important.
They also share their perspectives on the people, infrastructure, workforce and investments that will help ensure the Permian Basin remains one of the most important energy-producing regions in the world.
Sam also shares his vision for working on Education in the Permian and the importance of collaboration for our community.
In this episode, we talk about:
• The future of the Permian Basin
• Leadership in the energy industry
• The evolving oil and gas landscape
• Workforce and talent in West Texas
• Infrastructure and quality of life
• Why collaboration matters
• The role of innovation and technology
• What’s ahead for the Permian Basin If you care about West Texas, the Permian Basin, energy, economic growth and the future of our communities, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
👉 Watch, listen and share this episode with someone who cares about the future of the Permian Basin.
 
#PermianBasin #Energy #OilAndGas #WestTexas #PermianStrategicPartnership #ProPetro #Leadership #EnergyIndustry #EconomicDevelopment

In this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, host Krista Escamilla sits down with Kim McHugh, Vice President of Base Business for Shale & Tight at Chevron, and Tracee Bentley, President & CEO of the Permian Strategic Partnership, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the future of energy.
Kim shares her remarkable leadership journey, the experiences that shaped her career, and the advice she has for the next generation of leaders.
Together, Kim and Tracee discuss:
    Kim's leadership journey and career at Chevron    The future of the oil and gas industry    How artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming energy    The power of collaboration through the Permian Strategic Partnership    Kim's favorite Permian Strategic Partnership initiatives and why they are making a lasting impact on the Permian Basin    How Chevron is investing in communities across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico    Why developing future leaders is essential for the energy industry    Opportunities and challenges facing the Permian Basin in the years ahead
This conversation offers an inside look at how industry leaders are working together to strengthen our communities while preparing for the future of energy.
🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders making a difference across the Permian Basin. We are all in this together and the future lies in The Permian. Thanks for Listening.
 
Host: Krista EscamillaProduced By: Escamilla Media
#Chevron #KimMcHugh #TraceeBentley #PermianStrategicPartnership #PermianBasin #OilAndGas #Energy #Leadership #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfEnergy #WestTexas #podcasts

What does the future hold for the Permian Basin, and how can collaboration continue to strengthen one of the world's most important energy-producing regions?
In this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, host Krista Escamilla sits down with Tim Leach, Permian Strategic Partnership, and Tracee Bentley, President and CEO of PSP, to discuss the organization's vision for the future and its continued commitment to improving quality of life across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.
Together, they explore how the energy industry is partnering with local communities to address the region's most pressing needs, from education and healthcare to workforce development, infrastructure, road safety, and economic growth.In this episode, you'll learn:
Tim Leach's story of founding Concho and how the permanent strategic partnership became a reality.
How collaboration is driving meaningful change across the Permian Basin
ing in education, healthcare, and workforce development is essential to the region's future
The impact of the energy industry beyond oil and natural gas production
What's next for the Permian Strategic Partnership and the communities it serves
Whether you live in the Permian Basin, work in the energy industry, or simply want to better understand how public-private partnerships create lasting impact, this conversation offers valuable insight into the future of one of America's most important regions.Subscribe to the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast for conversations with industry leaders, policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners working together to build a stronger future for West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.We are all in this together and the future lies in the Permian.Host: Krista EscamillaProduced by: Escamilla Media 

In Episode 20 of The Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, Tracee Bentley and Krista Escamilla sit down with Ovintiv President and CEO Brendan McCracken for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation and the future of energy in the Permian Basin.
Brendan shares his journey in the oil and gas industry, the importance of investing in people and communities, and why collaboration across West Texas matters more than ever. The conversation also highlights the work of the Permian Strategic Partnership and the impact industry leaders are making across the region. Brendan also shares his favorite program that Ovintiv and PSP are working on together and why it's so impactful. 
In this episode:• Brendan McCracken’s leadership journey• The future of energy and the Permian Basin• Workforce development and community investment• The importance of collaboration in West Texas• Ovintiv’s role in shaping the future of the industry
Thank you for listening to The Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast where we spotlight the people and partnerships making a difference across the Permian Basin.

In this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, we sit down with Travis Stice, Executive Chairman of the Board at Diamondback Energy, alongside Tracee Bentley, CEO and President of the Permian Strategic Partnership, for a meaningful and forward-looking conversation about leadership, collaboration, and the future of energy in the Permian Basin.
As a proud member of PSP, Diamondback Energy plays a vital role in strengthening the region not just through energy production, but through a shared commitment to improving infrastructure, education, and quality of life across the Basin.
Together, Travis and Tracee share powerful insights on what it takes to lead in a rapidly evolving industry, the importance of partnerships, and how collaboration between companies and communities is shaping a stronger future for West Texas.
✨ In this episode, you’ll hear:
Travis’s leadership journey and lessons from the energy industry
Tracee’s perspective on driving impact through PSP
The importance of collaboration between industry and community
How Diamondback Energy supports regional growth as a PSP member
The future outlook for energy in the Permian Basin
Why investing in people and place matters more than ever
This conversation is a true reflection of what happens when leadership and partnership come together to move a region forward.
Thanks for listening.
 
We are all in this together and the future lies in the Permian.
 
 
 
Produced by: Escamilla Media
Hosted by: Krista Escamilla

In this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Brian Schroeder, Interim Director of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, to explore the future of healthcare in the Permian Basin.
 
Dr. Schroeder shares his journey into medicine, the leadership principles that guide his work, and how TTUHSC is playing a critical role in expanding access to care across West Texas. As our region continues to grow, so does the need for strong healthcare systems and innovative solutions. We also learn about Dr. Schroeder's path to West Texas and how life in the service shaped who he is.
In this conversation, we discuss:
The Mission and regional impact of TTUHSC
Addressing healthcare challenges in the Permian Basin
Training and retaining the next generation of healthcare professionals
Leadership during times of rapid growth
The importance of collaboration across industries to strengthen our communities
 
This episode highlights how strategic partnerships and forward-thinking leadership are shaping the future of healthcare right here at home. 
 
Thanks for listening, and remember we are all in this together and the future lies in the Permian.
 
Host: Krista Escamilla
Produced By: Escamilla Media
 

Healthcare impacts every family, every workforce, and every community in the Permian Basin.
In this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, host Krista Escamilla sits down with Catherine Rathbone, Director of Healthcare for the Permian Strategic Partnership, to talk about the real work being done to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes across West Texas.
Catherine brings more than a decade of experience as a Registered Nurse and now leads regional initiatives focused on workforce development, access to care, and long-term solutions for a growing region.
In this episode, we discuss:
The biggest healthcare challenges facing the Permian Basin
How workforce shortages impact patient care
What PSP is doing to strengthen healthcare systems
Why collaboration is key to sustainable healthcare solutions
Catherine’s unique perspective transitioning from bedside nursing to regional leadership
This conversation highlights why healthcare is a critical pillar of economic growth and community well-being in the Permian Basin.
Learn more about the Permian Strategic Partnership and its healthcare initiatives by visiting www.permianpartnership.org
👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found it valuable.The future lies in The Permian and we are all in this together.
 

As we close out the year, The Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast host Krista Escamilla sits down with Tracee Bentley, President & CEO of PSP, for a comprehensive look at the progress made across the Permian Basin and what’s ahead.
In this end-of-year episode, Tracee reflects on key highlights from 2025 and shares strategic goals for 2026, with a focus on strengthening the communities that call the Permian Basin home.
🎯 Topics Covered in This Episode:
Major 2025 accomplishments across the region
Healthcare access and workforce initiatives
Investments in education and teacher support
Progress on roads, infrastructure, and safety
Enhancing quality of life for Permian Basin residents
The growing role of PSP member companies and community partners
How collaboration is driving long-term, sustainable impact
Tracee also highlights the importance of partnership between industry, education, healthcare, and local communities and how those relationships are shaping a stronger future for West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.
🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on the people, policies, and partnerships powering the Permian Basin. The future lies in the Permian and we are all in this together. 
Thanks for listening and sharing. 
 
 
Host: Krista Escamilla
Produced by: Escamilla Media

On this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, host Krista Escamilla sits down with Dr. Kevin Beardmore, the new president of Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC), to talk about his inspiring career in education, his leadership philosophy, and the exciting partnership ahead with the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP).
Dr. Beardmore brings decades of experience in higher education, from his early days as a middle school science teacher to his leadership roles at Owensboro Community and Technical College, where he helped launch one of the nation’s most recognized community and technical colleges. His work has earned numerous honors, including the Distinguished College Administrator Award from Phi Theta Kappa and multiple “Great College to Work For” designations.
In this conversation, Dr. Beardmore shares:
His vision for SENMC and the role community colleges play in transforming lives
How PSP and SENMC are partnering to strengthen educational pathways in the Permian Basin
Why he believes so deeply in access, opportunity, and the power of education
What being a first-generation college student taught him about serving students today
His journey from private industry to academic leadership and what drives him forward
As a proud father, educator, and first-generation college graduate, Dr. Beardmore brings both heart and expertise to the Permian Basin’s future workforce conversations.
Thanks for Listening. 
We are all in this together and the future lies in The Permian.
 
Host: Krista Escamilla
Produced by Escamilla Media for The Permian Strategic Partnership
 

On this week's episode of the PSP Podcast, Krista Escamilla sits down with Jack Harper, newly appointed Chairman of the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) a coalition focused on strengthening the quality of life across the Permian Basin region.
Episode Highlights~
Chairman Harper shares his journey in the energy sector and his connection to the Permian Basin region.
The mission and model of PSP: how a unique public-private coalition is working in education, workforce training, healthcare, infrastructure and road safety.
Insights on Jack’s vision in his new role as Chairman, what he sees as the key priorities moving forward for PSP and the Permian Basin community.
Real-world examples of PSP’s impact: education initiatives, workforce development, road safety and how local communities are benefiting.
Jack explains how industry, government, and communities can come together for meaningful regional development.
 
Whether you live or work in the Permian Basin, are interested in regional development, energy-industry dynamics, or community impact, this episode offers a front-row seat to a unique leadership conversation and actionable insight into how collaborations are shaping the future of the region.
 
Stay connected: Visit the Permian Strategic Partnership: https://permianpartnership.org/
Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations like this (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify)
Thanks for listening and sharing.
We are all in this together and the future lies in the Permian.
 
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