In a recent announcement from Governor Greg Abbott's office, Mark Varhaug has been appointed as the chair of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. Alongside Varhaug, three new members have also been named to the board, namely Eric Anderson, Ph.D., Rusty Branch, P.G., and Jeremy Ransom. These appointments come with terms that are expected to end on February 1, 2031. The board, which has the authority to set various fees related to the application and licensure processes for geoscientists in Texas, bases its examination fees on the costs of preparation, administration, and grading specific to each discipline of geoscience, as detailed in a press release issued by the Governor's Office.
Dallas-based Mark Varhaug brings a wealth of experience to the table, having dedicated over four decades to the practice of geology. Prior to his new role as chair, he has been a member of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists since 2018. His professional affiliations include prominent organizations such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, where Varhaug holds an executive committee position. Notably, he received his Bachelor of Science in Geology from Southern Methodist University, according to the Governor's Office.
Eric Anderson, Ph.D. hails from Hallsville and holds the position of president at Mitigation Resources of North America. With a certification in soil science from the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, Anderson's academic background is rooted in environmental science and forestry, having earned his undergraduate and master's degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University and his Ph.D. in Soil Science from North Carolina State University, as reported by the Governor's Office.
The Fort Worth Community Emergency Response Team includes amongst its ranks Rusty Branch, P.G., the new vice president and senior geoscientist at Gehrig, Inc. He has been actively involved in various capacities within community and non-profit organizations, such as Scouting America, and the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists. Branch's educational credentials encompass a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from Tarleton State University, a Master of Science in Biology from Baylor University, and an MBA from The University of Texas at Arlington, as noted by the Governor's Office.
Joining the board from Georgetown, Jeremy Ransom serves as a strategic relationship director at Bluespring Wealth Partners. His resume boasts a combination of military, educational, and volunteer experience, having been honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps and holding board positions with organizations like Hospice Austin and The Legacy Ranch Youth Football and Cheer. Ransom's academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University and advanced degrees from Baylor University, UT Austin, and a Juris Doctor from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, as per the Governor's Office.
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