Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast

As we close out the year, The Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast host Krista Escamilla sits down with Tracee Bentley, President & CEO of PSP, for a comprehensive look at the progress made across the Permian Basin and what’s ahead.

In this end-of-year episode, Tracee reflects on key highlights from 2025 and shares strategic goals for 2026, with a focus on strengthening the communities that call the Permian Basin home.

🎯 Topics Covered in This Episode:

Major 2025 accomplishments across the region

Healthcare access and workforce initiatives

Investments in education and teacher support

Pro...

On this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, host Krista Escamilla sits down with Dr. Kevin Beardmore, the new president of Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC), to talk about his inspiring career in education, his leadership philosophy, and the exciting partnership ahead with the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP).

Dr. Beardmore brings decades of experience in higher education, from his early days as a middle school science teacher to his leadership roles at Owensboro Community and Technical College, where he helped launch one of the nation’s most recognized community and technical colleges. His work has earned numerous...

On this week's episode of the PSP Podcast, Krista Escamilla sits down with Jack Harper, newly appointed Chairman of the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) a coalition focused on strengthening the quality of life across the Permian Basin region.

Episode Highlights~

Chairman Harper shares his journey in the energy sector and his connection to the Permian Basin region.

The mission and model of PSP: how a unique public-private coalition is working in education, workforce training, healthcare, infrastructure and road safety.

Insights on Jack’s vision in his new role as Chairman, what he...

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast! In this episode, we visit with Janell Taylor, Regional Director for the Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance Center.

Janell is passionate about sustainable growth in mental health resources and is proud to bring these vital services to rural communities in New Mexico.

Episode Highlights:

Janell’s journey into advocacy and leadership in mental health

Why access to counseling and guidance services matters for rural families

The role of the Permian Strategic Partnership in expanding resources

How sustainable growth in...

In this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, host Krista Escamilla sits down with Kristy Hughes, Community Relations for Hobbs Municipal Schools and Director of the Energy Internship Program for PSP.

Kristy shares how this innovative partnership between Permian Strategic Partnership and Hobbs Municipal Schools is helping prepare students for careers in the energy industry while building strong connections between schools, local businesses, and the community.

From hands-on learning to real-world career pathways, this program is opening doors for the next generation of leaders right here in the Permian Basin.

✨ What you’ll h...

In this episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Brackmeyer, Chief Executive Officer of Skillpoint Alliance, to discuss the transformative impact of rapid, no-cost trade training across the Permian Basin.

Kevin shares Skillpoint’s mission to bridge the workforce gap by providing hands-on training in high-demand trades like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, empowering individuals with career-ready skills in just a matter of weeks.

From partnering with local industries to supporting economic mobility in West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico, this conversation dives into how workforce development is fueling opportunity, growth, an...

On this week's episode of The Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast we sit down with Steve Sauceda - Director of Workforce Training, New Mexico Junior College

Host Krista Escamilla and Steve discuss the exciting launch of NMJC’s new CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training Scholarship initiative made possible through support from the Permian Strategic Partnership.

Steve shares how this program will address a critical workforce need in the Permian Basin by preparing qualified, safety-focused commercial drivers for in-demand jobs. He also highlights how NMJC is aligning its mission with regional industry demands to provide practical, care...

Welcome to the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast! In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Dr. Keeley Boyer, the new superintendent of Ector County Independent School District (ECISD).

Dr. Boyer shares her passion for education, her strategic vision for ECISD, and how she plans to strengthen student outcomes through innovation, leadership, and strong community partnerships.

We also dive into her collaboration with the Permian Strategic Partnership—and how together, they’re working to create lasting impact for students and families across the region.

We also learn about how Dr. Boyer's experience as a st...

We’re honored to welcome Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Founding Chairman of the Permian Strategic Partnership, Don Evans, to the PSP Podcast! 🇺🇸

In this powerful episode, Secretary Evans shares his insights on leadership, regional collaboration, and what’s ahead for the future of the Permian Basin — a region that continues to power America’s energy and economic strength.

He also shares why the Permian Strategic Partnership is so important and the difference the initiative is making for quality of life in West Texas and New Mexico.

🎧 Don’t miss this conversation with o...

In episode 7 of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, we’re excited to sit down with Zach Craddock, the Superintendent of Third Future Schools!

Zach shares how PSP partnered with Third Future Schools to turn around the academic performance of two schools in Midland, taking them from an F to a B ranking!

This innovative model focuses on preparing students for success through an alternative instructional approach, helping them thrive both academically and in life.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how collaboration and forward-thinking strategies are shaping the future of education in our...

This week on the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, we're excited to have William Church, The director of programming for the Truck Driving Academy at Odessa College as our guest!

He talks about the incredible partnership between PSP and Odessa College and how it's helping provide more licensed truck drivers to meet the growing demand in our area. 🚛

William also shares his number one safety tip for drivers, something that could make a huge difference on the road today! 🚦

Tune in to hear all about this important initiative, how it’s making our roads safer an...

"People tend to support what they help create." Cathrynn Brown, speaks about collaboration with PSP.

In the latest episode of the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, Morgan Hebert the Director of Operations at the PSP and Host Krista Escamilla had the privilege of sitting down with New Mexico State Representative Cathrynn Brown to discuss the upcoming legislative session, the needs of her District 55, and how her partnership with PSP is driving positive change in the region. 🌟

As we gear up for another busy legislative year, Representative Brown shares her insights on critical issues facing the Permian Bas...

This week on the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast, we're diving deep into a topic that affects us all----Road Safety.

Join us as we visit with Debra Richmond, Director of Road Safety Strategic Initiatives at PSP, and Eric Lykins, District Engineer for TxDOT's Odessa District.

Together they've been on a mission to make our roads safer. Good News...The fatality rate on our roads decreased in 2023.

During this episode we will learn more about the benefits of this partnership and how it is saving lives.

We also hear about the HERO program...

This week on The Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast Russell Myers, President of the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center dives into the partnerships that are turning the vision of a new mental health facility into reality.

Discover how this new center will provide both inpatient and outpatient services, tailored to meet the needs of our community.

Russell also talks about how close they are to their fundraising goal which will allow a collaboration to transform mental health support in our region.

Join us on all podcast platforms and YouTube for this exciting journey towards...

Fueling the Future, One Vote at a Time

 In This episode of The Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast we visit with President & CEO Tracee Bentley about the importance of having your voice heard.

This rapidly growing region is also changing, and decisions being made now will impact generations to come. Voting is a powerful and important way for residents to influence those changes.

Alarming statistics reveal that in recent elections, decisions in the Permian Basin have been made by less than 10% of the area residents. This year, we’re making it our mission to see...

The Permian Strategic Partnership(PSP) is a coalition of 29 leading Permian Basin Energy companies and higher education institutions who joined together to work in partnership with leaders across the region to foster superior public schools, quality healthcare, a trained workforce, and safer roads. PSP's mission is to address current and future challenges to the responsible development of the fast oil and natural gas resources of the Permian Basin in the states of New Mexico and Texas. The goal of this podcast is to share the stories of how this one-of-a-kind public-private partnership is impacting communities across the Permian Basin.  Duration: 00:26:09