Governor Greg Abbott has named Mark Varhaug as chair of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. In addition, Abbott appointed Eric Anderson, Ph.D., Rusty Branch, P.G., and Jeremy Ransom to serve on the board until February 1, 2031.
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists is authorized to set fees for applicants and license holders, including those related to application, examination, licensure, and renewal. The board determines examination fees based on costs associated with preparing, administering, and grading each exam.
Mark Varhaug of Dallas is president of Beacon Hill Energy and brings over four decades of experience in geology. He has served on the board since August 2018. Varhaug is a life member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and serves on the Executive Committee for the Division of Professional Affairs at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. He also holds memberships in several geological societies and volunteers as an officer with the Norwegian Society of Texas. Varhaug earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology from Southern Methodist University.
Eric Anderson, Ph.D., from Hallsville is president of Mitigation Resources of North America and certified in soil science by the board. He belongs to both the Ecological Restoration Business Association and James F. Taylor Masonic Lodge 169. Anderson completed his undergraduate studies in Environmental Science and a master’s degree in Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University before earning a doctorate in Soil Science from North Carolina State University.
Rusty Branch, P.G., based in Fort Worth, serves as vice president and senior geoscientist at Gehrig, Inc., holding certification from the board. His leadership roles include work with Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts), Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, American Society of Civil Engineers Geo-Institute, as well as membership on Fort Worth’s Community Emergency Response Team. Branch holds degrees from Tarleton State University (Earth Science), Baylor University (Biology), and an MBA from UT Arlington.
Jeremy Ransom from Georgetown works as strategic relationship director at Bluespring Wealth Partners. His community involvement includes previous service on boards for Hospice Austin and Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas; he currently sits on The Legacy Ranch Youth Football and Cheer board. A former United States Marine Corps member who was honorably discharged, Ransom received academic degrees from Texas Tech University (Personal Financial Planning), Baylor University (MBA), UT Austin (Technology Commercialization), and Mitchell Hamline School of Law (Juris Doctor).
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