Shay Bluntzer
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Executive leader with 20 years of global government and external affairs experience in the energy-infrastructure sector. Founded and lead Marlin Blue Strategists, a full-service Texas-based public affairs firm, building a team with more than 50 years of combined experience and delivering strategic counsel to energy and infrastructure clients navigating complex legislative and regulatory environments. Directed government relations programs across six countries and 24 U.S. states for a publicly-traded energy infrastructure company. Established and managed a corporate Political Action Committee (PAC), overseeing the distribution of millions of dollars in candidate support and aligning political engagement with business objectives. Former Chairman of the Texas Pipeline Association, where I led eminent-domain reform efforts to protect legal processes for infrastructure investment. Proven at negotiating cross-border fiscal frameworks, aligning corporate strategy with evolving regulatory and energy-transition imperatives, and building high-impact stakeholder networks across government, industry and community spheres.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO & Founder
Marlin Blue Strategists
05.2024 - Current
- Founded and lead a full-service, Texas-based public-affairs firm that provides strategic counsel on legislative and regulatory issues for energy infrastructure, utilities and capital-project clients.
- Lead a team with over 50 years of combined experience in government relations, public affairs and communications, with a trusted national reputation.
- Deliver unique insights and strategic advice in the energy sector by leveraging firm leadership and subject-matter strength.
- Provide integrated services: legislative strategy development, policy analysis and advocacy, stakeholder-relationship building, issue-monitoring and intelligence systems.
- Cultivate relationships with large-scale energy developers, utility providers, data-center operators and public-sector entities—helping them navigate complex regulatory landscapes and policy-driven change across Texas and nationally.
- Uphold a reputation for integrity, professionalism and results-driven execution—earning the trust of clients and policymakers alike.
Executive Director, Government Relations
NuStar Energy L.P.
05.2008 - 05.2024
- Oversaw global government-relations strategy and deployment for a major liquids pipeline and terminal operator, covering operations across six countries and 24 U.S. states, and oversaw every aspect of the program—from team leadership to legislative advocacy, compliance and regulatory alignment.
- Managed a streamlined internal team and a global network of consultants to coordinate external affairs and legislative strategy.
- Established and oversaw the company’s Political Action Committee (PAC), aligning political engagement with corporate objectives and regulatory priorities.
- Negotiated a long-term multinational tax agreement for the company’s assets in the Dutch Antilles, securing favorable fiscal terms and enabling capital-efficient growth.
- Represented the company as an Executive Board Director across multiple industry trade associations, steering advocacy efforts and advancing business objectives to protect and promote corporate interests.
- Built and maintained strategic stakeholder relationships with federal, state and local policymakers, enabling alignment of business strategy with regulatory changes around energy, safety and infrastructure integrity.
Government Affairs Representative
Valero Energy Corporation
07.2005 - 05.2008
- Represented the company before the California Legislature and state regulatory agencies to advance the company’s political and policy agenda.
- Developed and maintained senior-level relationships with legislators, regulators and industry coalitions in Sacramento.
- Supported refinery and fuel-supply strategic initiatives by aligning advocacy efforts with evolving California energy and environmental policy.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Texas State University
01.2004
Skills
- Government & Regulatory Affairs
- Energy Infrastructure Development
- Stakeholder Management & Public-Private Partnerships
- Political Action Committee Governance
- Global & US External Affairs Strategy
- Legislative & Eminent-Domain Reform
- Cross-Border Tax & Fiscal Negotiations
- Public-Policy Narrative & Corporate Reputation
- Team Leadership, Consultant Oversight & Strategic Execution
Affiliations
- Chairman, Texas Pipeline Association
- Board Member, Energy Infrastructure Council (EIC)
- Former Board Member, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio
- Active volunteer with Haven for Hope and United Way
BOARD & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
- Chairman, Texas Pipeline Association
- Board Member, Energy Infrastructure Council (EIC)
- Former Board Member, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio
- Active volunteer with Haven for Hope and United Way
Timeline
CEO & Founder
Marlin Blue Strategists
05.2024 - Current
Executive Director, Government Relations
NuStar Energy L.P.
05.2008 - 05.2024
Government Affairs Representative
Valero Energy Corporation
07.2005 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Science -
Texas State University