ADVISORY BOARD
Secretary Thomas Harris
Thomas Harris brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in energy, environmental, and natural resource management to his new role.
From January 2016 to January 2024, Tom Harris served as the Cabinet Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In this role, he was instrumental in shaping state policies as the chairman of the Water Resource Commission and the Oilfield Site Restoration Commission. Additionally, he was a member of the State Mineral and Energy Board and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board, further showcasing his leadership in managing Louisiana's natural resources.
Tom earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Environmental Toxicology from the Tulane University School of Public Health. His extensive academic background laid a solid foundation for his professional career, which began at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). During his 19-year tenure at LDEQ, Tom served as the Administrator of the Remediation Division and played a pivotal role in developing and implementing Louisiana's risk-based corrective action standards, known as RECAP.
Tom also served as the director of the State Energy Office at DNR, where he led numerous initiatives to promote sustainable energy practices and policies. His leadership in renewable energy and environmental management has been widely recognized and respected. The Office of the Secretary serves as the department's executive management office. The Secretary is the chief officer of the department, in charge of its policy, administration, and operations.
Undersecretary of the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Brady was instrumental in the development and implementation of the State’s energy initiatives. He was involved in several key areas, including regulatory oversight, resource conservation, and the development of renewable energy strategies. His leadership has been crucial in implementing policies that ensure the responsible use of natural resources while promoting innovation and sustainability.
Under former Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards, Brady oversaw the integration of renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies which has contributed to the sustainable management of Louisiana's rich natural resources, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
Mr. Brady served under former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal as the Deputy Commissioner of Administration where he was one of the Administration's points for addressing the BP Oil Spill. He also served in the George W. Bush Administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services at the US Department of Commerce -- International Trade Administration -- and has represented the United States Government in bilateral negotiations with China and Mexico.
David Spady
David Spady's President of River Public Affairs Group, a strategic media and political consulting agency based in California and Montana. Spady has appeared on numerous television news broadcasts including CNN, FOX News, ABC, NBC, CBS and Inside Edition. His editorials have been broadly published in newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times. He was honored with a Telly Award for campaign ads.Spadyin an outdoor enthusiast who has served on numerous conservation boards and on a conservation advisory council with the US Department of Interior. He is a member of the Congressional Western Caucus Foundation, and the Western Governors’ Association. He studied Film and Television at Montana State University, earned a BA in Communications from Azusa Pacific University and completed an MA program in National Security Studies at California State University San Bernardino.
Aziz Bamik
Aziz Bamik
Aziz Bamik is the General Manager of GTT North America, a French technology company Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) subsidiary, where he leads the company’s strategic initiatives for the American market. With almost three decades of experience in the LNG (liquefied natural gas) industry, Aziz has played a pivotal role in expanding GTT’s presence in North America and strengthening the company’s leadership in advanced LNG containment systems. His in-depth knowledge of the LNG value chain and his commitment to forward-thinking solutions have earned him a reputation as a leader in the LNG industry, and he has many first-of-a-kind international projects while focusing on sustainable energy solutions that address global challenges. Since joining GTT in 1999, Aziz has held several leadership roles that have contributed to the company's global growth, particularly in the LNG shipping, offshore, and onshore storage sectors. His expertise spans from project management and engineering to business development and contract negotiations, ensuring that GTT’s cutting-edge technologies meet the highest industry standards.
Aziz is known for his ability to foster collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including shipowners, shipyards, energy companies, and government authorities. This led him to receive the Meritorious Public Service Award in 2017 from the United States Coast Guard.
Aziz holds a master’s degree in engineering from Polytech (France). He is also an active participant in the Program Committee of the LNG Conference Series, contributing to discussions on the future of LNG as part of the global energy transition. In addition to his professional endeavors, Aziz is passionate about mentoring young professionals. He is an active board Member of the “French Tech” supporting French start-ups in Texas and a French Foreign Trade Advisor for the French Government (since 2016).
AMERICA IS THE BEACON OF PROVIDING affordable ENERGY TO THE WORLD, AND IT WILL BE AGAIN
The path to a better future lies in our ability to foster peace, harness sustainable energy, and create opportunities that uplift every individual.
As we move forward, let us carry these insights with us and strive to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.