Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Key Accomplishments
Work Availability
Quote
Timeline
BusinessAnalyst
Elizabeth Merritt

Elizabeth Merritt

Aledo,TX

Summary

Accomplished Independent Landman with an exceptional 18-year track record in the oil and gas industry. Proven expertise in project management, title examination, and comprehensive due diligence. Seeking dynamic opportunities to contribute strategic leadership, ensuring seamless land acquisitions, and overseeing the pre-drilling process. Committed to leveraging extensive industry knowledge to drive success in every project. Open to challenging roles that allow me to apply my wealth of experience, foster collaboration, and deliver superior results in the oil and gas exploration sector.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Project Manager

Various Clients
01.2024 - Current
  • Leading and designing a strategy to create a virtual data room (VDR) for a newly acquired acquisition.
  • Overseeing 2,312 leases, 60 wells (35 operated, 25 non-operated), 75 Contracts, 200 Title Opinions, and hundreds of other documents.
  • Conducting a thorough lease review, running title forward from 2010, reviewing contracts, verifying WI/NRI. Transforming the VDR into a user-friendly land system ready for upload into a Buyers Land System.
  • Managing lands covering 27,427 net acres in 4 counties in the Haynesville Shale Play.

Independent Landman

Various Clients
07.2017 - 01.2024

In my role as an Independent Landman, I have undertaken a comprehensive range of responsibilities, utilizing courthouse and online research methods to delve into the intricacies of mineral and leasehold ownership across diverse regions.

Research and Analysis:

  • Conducted thorough courthouse and online research to determine current mineral and leasehold ownership, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Examined a variety of legal documents, including Deeds, Assignments, Leases, etc., to assess ownership structures and identify potential issues.
  • Utilized online platforms such as the Texas Railroad Commission, Drillinginfo.com, Courthousedirect.com, and related websites to gather crucial data for decision-making processes.
  • Reviewed and reported well history, permits, spud dates, plug dates, and other pertinent information, offering valuable insights into property histories.

Title Examination and Due Diligence:

  • Reviewed ownership reports for gaps in title, over conveyances, and curative needs, employing a meticulous approach to ensure the integrity of property titles.
  • Conducted deed plotting to identify Texas parcels accurately, contributing to precise land identification and mapping.
  • Completed due diligence projects for properties spanning Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of regional nuances.

Training and Knowledge Sharing:

  • Played a key role in training other Landmen on processes, reports, leases, and conveyances, fostering a collaborative and informed working environment.

Legal Compliance and Lease Management:

  • Conducted legal research on oil and gas property law, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Reviewed lease provisions, lease files, and input obligation payments for thousands of fee and BIA leases in Utah, showcasing attention to detail and a commitment to contractual compliance.

My multifaceted experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the oil and gas industry, and I am dedicated to delivering thorough and accurate assessments in every aspect of my work as an Independent Landman.

Project Manager

Various Clients
06.2018 - 03.2020
  • Augmented client’s staff, overseeing 6 new drills in Texas and New Mexico from permit to DOI.
  • Managed a team, including lease buyers and title agents.
  • Orchestrated pre-spud efforts for receivership, rule 37, and compulsory pooling.
  • Completed due diligence projects for Texas and Oklahoma properties.
  • Oversaw and actively contributed to the manual input of thousands of lease files, ownerships, title opinions, Units, Wells, interests from a spreadsheet into iLandman, resulting in the creation of a cloud-based Land System for the client.
  • Red-lined and negotiated leases for large interests.

Sr. Land Analyst

XTO Energy Inc.
03.2006 - 07.2017

In my tenure at XTO Energy, I held progressively responsible roles, contributing to the company's success and demonstrating a commitment to excellence in oil and gas operations.

Sr. Land Analyst (2012-July 2017):

  • Monitored Non-Op proposals, confirming interest and generating Interest Memos, playing a pivotal role in decision-making processes.
  • Built Interest Memos, Plugging Memos, and Spud Releases, showcasing a proficiency in producing essential documentation for drilling activities.
  • Reviewed and analyzed terminology and/or clauses in Leases, JOAs, Assignments, SUAs, DOUs, and other critical documents, ensuring legal and contractual compliance.
  • Developed comprehensive spreadsheets calculating Divisions of Interest, Working Interest (WI), and Net Revenue Interest (NRI), contributing to accurate financial assessments.
  • Examined Deeds and Title Opinions to determine mineral ownership, ensuring precise knowledge of property ownership structures.

Land Analyst (2008-2012):

  • Engaged in efficient communication with Partners, Attorneys, and external entities, facilitating smooth collaboration between departments.
  • Educated and trained fellow co-workers on processes, procedures, and scenarios, contributing to a knowledgeable and skilled team.
  • Researched information on NDIC, NDRIN, BLM, and other related websites, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements.

Associate Land Analyst (2007-2008) & Land Clerk (2006-2007):

  • Played a vital role in the efficient functioning of multiple departments within the company, contributing to seamless operations.
  • Created and mailed proposals to WI Owners, demonstrating effective communication and organizational skills.

My tenure at XTO Energy was characterized by a commitment to excellence, a deep understanding of industry regulations, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. I consistently collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance, and contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX
05.2005

Associate of Arts - General Studies

Weatherford College
Weatherford, TX
08.2003

Skills

  • Technical understanding
  • Work flow planning
  • Project Closure
  • Logistics Management
  • Land acquisition and leasing
  • Title examination
  • Negotiation and contract management
  • Due diligence
  • Regulatory compliance

Affiliations

  • AAPL
  • FWAPL

Certification

CPL

AAPL - American Association of Professional Landmen

Issued Sep 2018 · Expired Sep 2023


Registered Professional Landman

AAPL - American Association of Professional Landmen

Issued Dec 2012 · Expired Dec 2017


Certified Professional Lease and Title Analyst

NALTA

Issued Jun 2012 · Expired Dec 2017

Credential ID 468

Key Accomplishments

Key Accomplishments - Project Manager Role:

  • Oversaw and led a team through the successful execution of 6 new drills in Texas and New Mexico.
  • Orchestrated and executed pre-spud efforts for receivership, rule 37, and compulsory pooling.
  • Implemented and managed the conversion from spreadsheet into the iLandman database for thousands of oil and gas leases and parcel information.
  • Actively contributed to the manual input of title opinions, Units, Wells, Interests from Dropbox into iLandman, resulting in the creation of a cloud-based Land System for the client.
  • Successfully red-lined and negotiated leases for large interests.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse

Quote

Never stop asking questions. Go to as many AAPL classes as possible and keep the material. My advice is to NETWORK. Go to functions and meet people. It just might help you in the future.
Elizabeth Merritt

Timeline

Project Manager

Various Clients
01.2024 - Current

Project Manager

Various Clients
06.2018 - 03.2020

Independent Landman

Various Clients
07.2017 - 01.2024

Sr. Land Analyst

XTO Energy Inc.
03.2006 - 07.2017

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Tarleton State University

Associate of Arts - General Studies

Weatherford College
Elizabeth Merritt