Tal R. Centers, Jr.
Montgomery
Summary
Dynamic executive with extensive experience at CenterPoint Energy, driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Proven track record in P&L oversight and regulatory strategy, enhancing safety protocols and implementing innovative gas processing technologies. Adept at cross-functional leadership and talent development, consistently achieving top-tier performance in complex environments.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Vice President / COO - Compression Services
BHE Compression Services
Montgomery
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Directed and managed over 500,000 hp of environmentally clean natural gas compression services to clients across Texas, Delaware Basin, and Midland sections of Permian Basin, improving operational reliability and environmental standards.
Vice President Sales and Business Development
Picarro
Santa Clara
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Directed natural gas solutions sales across North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific regions.
- Led strategic initiatives that expanded company growth and strengthened market presence.
- Directed cross-functional teams to align objectives and streamline collaboration.
Vice President - Texas Gas Regional Operations
CenterPoint Energy
Houston
02.2019 - 03.2023
- Responsible for all P&L for regional gas operations in Texas. Area services over 1.8MM residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Generating over $170MM EBIT.
- Executed successful rate case proceedings for East Texas and South Texas jurisdictions, securing favorable outcomes for the company.
- Led efforts to integrate RNG and H2 solutions in Texas operations, advancing regional energy initiatives.
- Deploying ZEVAC gas recovery technology to reduce fugitive emissions in Houston market.
- Implemented automated shut off ultra-sonic meter technology, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
- Led over 954 company and 1200 contract employees (includes 400 bargaining unit employees - USW 227)
Vice President - Environmental, Safety & Technical Training
CenterPoint Energy
Houston
02.2018 - 02.2019
- CNP corporate safety and environmental officer (gas and electric)
- Implemented corporate ESG program, aligning organizational practices with environmental and safety standards.
- Achieved top decile safety performance, earning awards from AGA and SGA for demonstrated safety excellence.
- Delivered technical training for gas and electric operations, enhancing safety protocols and operational efficiency.
Vice President - Safety & Gas System Integrity
CenterPoint Energy
Houston
12.2014 - 02.2018
- CNP corporate safety and environmental officer (gas and electric).
- Maintained system integrity across 72,000 miles of gas distribution and 700 miles of transmission assets, supporting safe operations.
- Led gas LDC engineering, ensuring compliance with engineering design, standards, and operational codes.
- Managed gas control, underground storage, and gas measurement operations to ensure reliable service delivery.
- Led over 650 employees in 6 states (union and non-union labor), as well as supporting operations for 3.3 million customers and over $500 million in capital spending.
Division Vice President - System Integrity & Operations Support
CenterPoint Energy
Houston
04.2012 - 12.2014
- Responsible for system integrity (TIM/DIM) for over 71,000 miles of gas distribution assets, and over 700 miles of transmission assets.
- Managed gas control and dispatching operations for all gas operations in Houston, Minneapolis, and Shreveport, streamlining processes to support effective service delivery.
- Led gas control centers for operations across Minneapolis and Houston, optimizing coordination and response for gas distribution.
- Implemented advanced leak detection technology that is 1000 times more sensitive than current. Integrated technology into TIM/DIM programs to use emission data to prioritize replacement programs and reduce fugitive emissions.
- Led and managed all peaking and underground storage assets (included LNG/CNG operations, propane air peaking facilities).
- Directed gas LDC engineering efforts, ensuring compliance with operational codes and enhancing engineering design and standards.
- Led over 650 employees across 6 states and supported operations for 3.3 million customers.
- P&L for Mobile Energy Solutions. A mobile CNG and LNG delivery service.
Division Vice President - Regional Gas Operations
CenterPoint Energy
Minneapolis
04.2010 - 04.2012
- Directed P&L for regional gas operations in Minnesota, serving over 800,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers—the largest in the state—while supervising assets of 13,169 miles of distribution lines, 465 miles of transmission lines, 1 BCF of LNG, and 2 BCF of underground storage facilities.
- Managed P&L for Home Service Plus (HSP), an unregulated affiliate serving over 220,000 accounts with annual revenue exceeding 120 million.
- Oversaw more than 770 employees across 3 bargaining units, ensuring smooth operations and effective labor relations.
- Deployed first generation of automated shut-off meters in 250 meter pilot program.
Division Vice President - Gas Engineering & Technical Services
CenterPoint Energy
Houston
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Led 525 employees across 6 states, supporting operations for 3.2 million customers and overseeing $200 million in capital spending.
- Implemented innovation and automation in gas technology, including gas recovery systems, meter exchange technology, and integration of digital solutions into the gas system.
- Directed gas LDC engineering, gas control, measurement, safety, environmental, dispatching, and mobile energy solution functions, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and operational codes.
Director Houston Gas Operations
CenterPoint Energy
Houston
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Directed gas operations for CenterPoint Energy Entex Metro.
- Managed measurement, gas control, pipeline operations, pipeline integrity, emergency response, mainline construction, and compliance with operational codes and standards.
- Oversaw operations for 100+ miles of unregulated transmission assets in Houston area.
- Facilitated operations across local and regional areas of Metro Entex for 960,000 customers.
Manager of Gas Operations
Reliant Energy/Metro Entex Operations
Houston
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Oversaw gas operations for Reliant Energy Entex Metro, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
- Coordinated measurement, gas control, pipeline operations, pipeline integrity, emergency response, and mainline construction to maintain service reliability.
- Delivered operations support to local and regional areas of Metro Entex, directly impacting service for 960,000 customers.
Manager of Gas Engineering
Reliant Energy/Gas Engineering
Houston
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Led gas engineering for Reliant Energy Delivery Group, ensuring compliance with operational codes and standards.
- Oversaw engineering design and long-range facility planning, establishing benchmarks for operational excellence.
- Provided engineering support to local and regional areas, covering 6 states and serving over 3.2 million customers.
Division Chief Engineer/Operations Manager
Noram/Reliant Energy - Entex
Brandon
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Oversaw division operations and engineering for Entex gas distribution and transmission systems in Mississippi, ensuring reliable service for 115,000 customers.
- Led operational strategies to enhance efficiency across energy distribution systems.
- Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives to streamline project execution and communication.
- Developed training programs for staff to improve safety and performance standards.
- Contributed as board member for Mississippi Gas Association, providing strategic guidance and industry leadership.
Senior Engineer - Texas Coast/South Texas Division
Arkla/Reliant Energy - Entex
Houston
01.1989 - 01.1995
- Designed and implemented engineering solutions for energy distribution systems.
- Led Corrosion, Measurement, and Leak Survey department, ensuring compliance with safety and industry regulations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
- Conducted thorough analysis of system performance to identify improvement areas.
- Contributed to NACE T-10 Committee meetings, collaborating with industry leaders to shape and promote best practices.
Engineer, Corrosion Engineer, Pipeline Operations Engineer
Entex
Houston
01.1985 - 01.1989
- Executed design and maintenance of natural gas transmission and distribution systems, ensuring system reliability and safety.
- Conducted system tests to ensure reliability and performance standards.
- Designed mechanical components for various engineering projects.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions.
Senior Engineer - Houston Division
Noram/Reliant Energy - Entex
Houston
01.1995
- Managed Houston Division gas design work and project management, delivering projects on time and within scope.
- Led engineering projects to enhance energy efficiency and system reliability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative energy solutions.
- Mentored junior engineers in technical skills and project management practices.
- Supervised Non-Revenue/Facility Planning group for Houston Division Engineering.
Education
Center for Creative Leadership
Colorado Springs01-2008
Executive MBA -
Texas A&M University
College Station01-2006
Public Utility Executive Course -
University of Idaho
Moscow01-2001
Senn - Delaney Management Leadership
01-1998
BS - Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University
College Station01-1985
Undergraduate Engineering Prerequisites
Panola Jr. College
Carthage, Texas01-1982
Skills
- Gas processing technologies
- Regulatory strategy
- Project management
- Profit and loss oversight
- Strategic planning
- Cross-functional leadership
- Safety protocols
- Operational efficiency
- Innovation implementation
- Organizational development
- Policies and procedures
- Corporate communications
- Corporate presentations
- KPI tracking
- Public speaking
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Data-driven decision making
- Talent development
- Process improvement
- Cultural awareness
- Business strategy
- Budgeting and cost control
- Customer relationship management
References
Available upon request
Accomplishments
- Deployment of advanced leak detection
- Gas organizational restructuring
- Gas Process Redesign
- Rate case lead witness testimony
- Gas automation development (AMR, Auto shut off metering, HAN)
- Implemented TIM and DIM programs
- Vectren acquisition team
- CenterPoint - Volunteer of the Year
- SGA Executive Council
- Chair AGA Managing Committee Chair
- Chair SGA Operations Managing Committee Chair
- Industry top decile safety performance
- Key note speaker for AGA and GTI on gas automation and energy efficiency
- Legislation on Texas Energy Choice
- CenterPoint executive steering committee for electric AMS deployment
Personal Professional
- Licensed Professional Engineer - Texas
- Deacon - Woodridge Baptist Church - Kingwood, Texas
- Southern Gas Association - Past Chair Distribution Operations Engineering Committee
- American Gas Association - Past Chair Operations Managing Committee, Nominating Committee, Executive Committee
- Minnesota Business Partnership
- United Way - Past member of Minneapolis Campaign Cabinet
- March of Dimes - Campaign Leader
Background - Leadership
- Experienced, proven, innovative executive possessing strong financial acumen and leadership development skills.
- Recognized for value added solutions, being a skilled communicator, creative strategic solutions to significantly increase earnings and operational flexibility without compromising safety or customer service.
- Experienced in strategic planning, asset management, management of natural gas engineering and operations, renewables, ESG.
Languages
English
Professional
Certification
Professional Engineer - Texas
Timeline
Sr. Vice President / COO - Compression Services
BHE Compression Services
08.2024 - 04.2025
Vice President Sales and Business Development
Picarro
06.2023 - 07.2024
Vice President - Texas Gas Regional Operations
CenterPoint Energy
02.2019 - 03.2023
Vice President - Environmental, Safety & Technical Training
CenterPoint Energy
02.2018 - 02.2019
Vice President - Safety & Gas System Integrity
CenterPoint Energy
12.2014 - 02.2018
Division Vice President - System Integrity & Operations Support
CenterPoint Energy
04.2012 - 12.2014
Division Vice President - Regional Gas Operations
CenterPoint Energy
04.2010 - 04.2012
Division Vice President - Gas Engineering & Technical Services
CenterPoint Energy
01.2006 - 01.2010
Director Houston Gas Operations
CenterPoint Energy
01.2002 - 01.2006
Manager of Gas Operations
Reliant Energy/Metro Entex Operations
01.2001 - 01.2002
Manager of Gas Engineering
Reliant Energy/Gas Engineering
01.1999 - 01.2001
Division Chief Engineer/Operations Manager
Noram/Reliant Energy - Entex
01.1995 - 01.1997
Senior Engineer - Houston Division
Noram/Reliant Energy - Entex
01.1995
Senior Engineer - Texas Coast/South Texas Division
Arkla/Reliant Energy - Entex
01.1989 - 01.1995
Engineer, Corrosion Engineer, Pipeline Operations Engineer
Entex
01.1985 - 01.1989
Center for Creative Leadership
Executive MBA -
Texas A&M University
Public Utility Executive Course -
University of Idaho
Senn - Delaney Management Leadership
BS - Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University
Undergraduate Engineering Prerequisites
Panola Jr. College