Governor Greg Abbott has named Mark Varhaug as chair of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. In addition, the Governor appointed Eric Anderson, Ph.D., Rusty Branch, P.G., and Jeremy Ransom to serve on the board. Their terms will run until February 1, 2031.
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists is responsible for setting reasonable fees for applicants and license holders. These include application, examination, licensure, and renewal fees. The board also determines examination fees based on costs related to preparing, administering, and grading exams.
Mark Varhaug is president of Beacon Hill Energy in Dallas and has over four decades of experience in geology. He has served on the board since August 2018. He 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. Varhaug is also affiliated with several geological societies in Texas and volunteers with the Norwegian Society of Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Southern Methodist University.
Eric Anderson, Ph.D., from Hallsville, leads Mitigation Resources of North America and holds certification in soil science from the board. He belongs to both the Ecological Restoration Business Association and James F. Taylor Masonic Lodge 169. Anderson earned his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and a master’s degree in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University before completing his doctorate in Soil Science at North Carolina State University.
Rusty Branch, P.G., based in Fort Worth, is vice president and senior geoscientist at Gehrig, Inc., certified by the board as well. His leadership roles span organizations such as Scouting America (formerly Boys Scouts of America), Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, and American Society of Civil Engineers Geo-Institute. Branch participates with Fort Worth’s Community Emergency Response Team. His academic background includes 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 service includes past board membership for Hospice Austin and Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas; he currently serves on The Legacy Ranch Youth Football and Cheer board. Ransom is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who earned degrees from Texas Tech University (Personal Financial Planning), Baylor University (MBA), UT Austin (Technology Commercialization), and Mitchell Hamline School of Law (Juris Doctor).
“Governor Greg Abbott named Mark Varhaug as chair of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists,” according to an official statement.
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