In this episode of the Let’s Clear the Air energy podcast, hosts Adam Murray and Stuart Saulters talk with Nick Medina, a veteran of the oil and gas industry with over 33 years of experience. The conversation covers Medina’s extensive career, the importance of safety and community engagement in energy operations, and the critical role of education in shaping the future of energy and sustainability. Medina shares strategies for training first responders, the significance of STEM education, and his vision for a responsible energy future that prioritizes safety and community trust.
About Nick Medina
Nick Medina retired in early 2025 as the Public & Government Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil Pipeline Company. A seasoned oil and gas executive with 30 years at ExxonMobil, Medina has worked in upstream, downstream, and midstream in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Alaska, and other parts of the U.S.
Medina was Public Information Officer for the Incident Command responding to the Mayflower spill in Arkansas, and he worked on the Alaska Pipeline Project, was Global Speedpass manager for ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Company, and managed the global franchise for ExxonMobil’s then-6,500 convenience store chain, including its flagship On the Run program.
Medina is Chair of the Advisory Board of Rice University’s Tapia Center, which has a mission of empowering everyone to be able to pursue education and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
He is currently vice chair of the Public Awareness Group at American Petroleum Institute and member of the communications and government relations committees at the Association of Oil Pipelines.
Takeaways
- With more than 33 years in the energy sector, Nick Medina emphasizes the importance of safety in energy operations.
- Community engagement is crucial for building trust with the public.
- Training first responders is essential for emergency preparedness.
- STEM education is vital for the next generation of energy professionals.
- Carbon management is a key focus for future energy solutions.
- The energy industry must adapt to meet growing global demands.
- Medina advocates for responsible energy practices.
- Education about energy and safety should start at a young age.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Energy and Safety Initiatives
- 06:11 Nick Medina’s Career Journey in Energy
- 12:02 Understanding Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream
- 17:50 Building Relationships with First Responders
- 24:10 Training and Safety in Emergency Situations
- 31:41 The Importance of Training for Safety
- 34:07 Learning from Past Incidents
- 37:13 Empowering the Next Generation in STEM
- 41:29 The Role of Education in Energy Dominance
- 45:16 Reflections on Career and Future Aspirations
- 55:32 Looking Ahead: Family, Community, and Responsibility
Share This
