Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Mark Varhaug as chair of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. In addition, Eric Anderson, Ph.D., Rusty Branch, P.G., and Jeremy Ransom have been named to the board for terms ending on February 1, 2031. The board is authorized to set fees for applicants and license holders related to application, examination, licensure, and renewal processes. Examination fees are determined based on the costs of preparing, administering, and grading each exam.
Mark Varhaug, based in Dallas, is president of Beacon Hill Energy and has more than four decades of geology experience. He has served on the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists since August 2018. Varhaug 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. He is also involved with several geological societies and volunteers with the Norwegian Society of Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Southern Methodist University.
Eric Anderson is president of Mitigation Resources of North America in Hallsville and holds certification in soil science from the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. His affiliations include membership in the Ecological Restoration Business Association and James F. Taylor Masonic Lodge 169. Anderson earned his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Master’s degree in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University as well as a doctorate in Soil Science from North Carolina State University.
Rusty Branch serves as vice president and senior geoscientist at Gehrig, Inc., located in Fort Worth. Certified by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, he has held leadership roles across non-profit and community organizations such as Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, and American Society of Civil Engineers Geo-Institute. Branch participates in the Fort Worth Community Emergency Response Team. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science from Tarleton State University, a Master’s degree in Biology from Baylor University, and an MBA from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Jeremy Ransom works as strategic relationship director at Bluespring Wealth Partners in Georgetown. He previously served on boards for Hospice Austin and Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas; currently he is a board member for The Legacy Ranch Youth Football and Cheer organization. Ransom is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with degrees that include a Bachelor’s in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University, an MBA from Baylor University, a Master’s in Technology Commercialization from UT Austin, and a Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
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