Railroad Commission Executive Director Retiring, Interim Executive Director Named

AUSTIN –– Railroad Commission Executive Director John Tintera announced his retirement effective April 1, 2012 after 22 years of service to the Railroad Commission. Chairman Barry Smitherman and Commissioner David Porter announced that Polly McDonald will serve as interim executive director while the Commission begins the search for a permanent executive director.

“John Tintera has served the people of Texas with honor and distinction. I am confident he will be successful as he enters the next stage. I wish him all the best in the future,” Chairman Smitherman said.

Commissioner Porter said, “Since being elected in 2010, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with John and have looked to him for continued guidance, as his institutional knowledge of the Commission has been invaluable to me. He has been a dedicated and loyal employee, and I thank him for his service to Texas and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Tintera said, “It has been a tremendous honor to serve this agency and work with all the extremely talented and dedicated employees at the Commission. It also has been a privilege to work with Chairman Smitherman and Commissioner Porter, who will continue to lead the Commission as the nation’s top energy regulatory agency.”

Tintera has been with the Railroad Commission since 1990, and was appointed Executive Director in February 2009.

At the agency, Tintera’s previous positions were Deputy Director of Technical Permitting and Administrative Compliance; Assistant Director of Site Remediation; Manager of Special Response; and district office geologist in Wichita Falls. Before joining the Commission, Tintera worked for 10 years as a petroleum geologist in private industry. Tintera has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from Michigan State University and Bowling Green State University, respectively.

Prior to her appointment as Acting Executive Director, McDonald was the Director of the Railroad Commission’s Pipeline Safety Division. Before joining the Railroad Commission in 1992, McDonald spent ten years at the Public Utility Commission, where she held the positions of Hearings Examiner, Administrative Law Judge, Assistant Director of Hearings, and Director of Hearings and Secretary of the Commission.

About the Railroad Commission

Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 90 years regulating the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the Commission promotes research and education on the use of alternative fuels and has jurisdiction over gas utility, surface mining and pipeline industries. Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans.To learn more, please visit http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/.