MEET OUR TEAM

OCD Contact List Dated 7/16/2024

Gerasimos “Gerry” Razatos, OCD Acting Director

Gerry Razatos has been appointed the Acting  Director of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Oil Conservation Division (OCD) in July 2024. Gerry Razatos originally joined as Deputy Director of the EMNRD, OCD in June 2022.  Gerry’s extensive New Mexico State administrative experience focuses on operations, developing or revising policy, procedures, rules, and regulations.  He was appointed to the NM Water Quality Control Commission in May 2023. He has extensive experience in testifying as an expert witness and criminal proceedings.  Gerry holds degrees in Business Administration (M.B.A.), Biology (B.S.), and Spanish (B.S.).

Brandon Powell, Deputy Director

Brandon Powell was named Deputy Director May 2023, and previously the Engineering Bureau Chief of the Oil Conservation Division in November of 2020. Brandon has 17+ years with the Division. He started in 2006 as an Environmental Specialist, from there he has been promoted through several positions including an Inspection and Enforcement supervisor, and District Supervisor. In his time with the Division, Brandon has also participated in and been an integral part of multiple Environmental and Engineering related rule makings.

Joe Cruz, Bureau Chief, Administrative

Joe Cruz was named Administrative Bureau Chief of the Oil Conservation Division in June 2022.  Joe has 15+ years in private industry and 10+ years in state government.  His previous positions with the State of New Mexico includes Mortgage Industry Manager with the Regulation and Licensing Department (Financial Institutions Division) as well as Financial Audit Supervisor with the Office of the State Auditor.  His credentials demonstrate extensive knowledge in management, auditing, regulatory compliance and administration. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Management, a Supplementary Major in Law and Society (Pre-Law) and a Minor in Spanish from New Mexico State University.

Rosa M. Romero, Bureau Chief, Environmental

Rosa Romero was named the Environmental Bureau Chief of the Oil Conservation Division in April 2022.  Prior to the Oil Conservation Division, Rosa worked 10+ years in New Mexico regulatory compliance with the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer in various capacities with a focus on legislative development and building industry partnerships. Originally from Taos, NM, Rosa attended Western New Mexico University with a degree in Professional Zoology.

Justin Wrinkle, Bureau Chief, Engineering

Justin Wrinkle was named Engineering Bureau Chief in July 2023, and was previously the engineering specialist supervisor for the division since March 2022. Justin has 15+ years of experience in the oil and gas industry starting in 2001 as a field operator and has since held numerous positions, including Lead Field Operator, Production Foreman, Superintendent and has participated in multiple scopes including drilling, production, completions, and environmental activities.  Originally from Roswell, NM, Justin is currently located in Carlsbad, NM.