There will be no quick replacement for Tom Doll, who resigned as Wyoming Oil and Gas Supervisor suddenly last week (see Shale Daily, June 18), according to a spokesperson for Gov. Matt Mead. The governor and the state’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission are working out the details of the search for a replacement, the spokesperson told NGI‘s Shale Daily.

First priority will be given to naming another Wyoming industry expert, according to Mead communications director Renny MacKay. “The governor has said he will always look in-state first,” MacKay said.

A state industry association leader regretted the loss of Doll, who was appointed in 2009 by the previous governor, Dave Freudenthal.

Bruce Hinchey, president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) said he was “saddened” by Doll’s departure, citing his more than 30 years of experience working as a registered petroleum engineer in Wyoming’s oil and gas industry.

“Mr. Doll was extremely knowledgeable of industry practices as well as the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission rules that govern an industry that is vitally important for the majority of the state’s revenue and jobs,” Hinchey told NGI‘s Shale Daily. He lauded Doll for always insisting “companies follow the rules” and for being “firm but also fair in his dealings.”

Hinchey said it is going to be difficult finding a replacement of Doll’s caliber, but he expressed confidence that Mead will be “working hard to find someone as quickly as possible. The job requires a registered petroleum engineer or registered geologist.”

Hinchey said that PAW will be asking for “any help” to find someone with the right qualifications and experience, “hopefully in Wyoming to meet the demand of that position so that we might forward the information on to the governor.”

MacKay said that Mead will not set a timeline for naming a replacement. “He won’t rush the process, because it is more important to be thorough,” he said.

In terms of reports that Doll resigned over comments he made critical of residents in the Pavillion area, MacKay said that since the issue is a “personnel matter,” he is limited in what he can say about the resignation.