CIDMONTHLY NEWSLETTER
2025 CID All Hands Meeting
Steven Mendez
Donna Sanders
Keisha Sanders
Justin Terrel
Chasitti Thomas
Will Wright
Ronnie Conyer 6 years
•Robert Castillo 6 years
•Dani Oakes 6 years
•Robert Stewart 5 years
•James Berdeaux 3 years
•Jared Carter 3 years
•Kevin Davis 3 years
•Joel Famini 3 years
•Gary Goodman 3 years
•James Gonzalez 3 years
•Kyle Holcombe 3 years
•Peterson Louisdor 3 years
•Tim Smith 3 years
•Kal Turnquist 3 years
•Timothey Wojcik 3 years
•Belinda Covarrubias 2 years
•Madison Riba 1 year
•Clifton Garza 1 year
•Jenesis Barragan 1 year
22May2025
CID held the 2025 “All Hands Meeting” — the only time each year when everyone gathers in person, an opportunity the team truly looks forward to.
This year's meeting featured presentations from the Employees Retirement System (ERS), the Texas Saver Program, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), AEP and David Spivey (Training & Development). ERS and Texas Saver representatives shared valuable insights on retirement planning and benefits to help team members make informed decisions about their future.
TDEM provided an engaging presentation that highlighted the agency’s role in statewide response and discussed its ongoing collaboration with our agency during weather related emergencies.
In addition, David Spivey (Training & Development) gave a presentation on the various training programs offered by RRC, including RRC university and the GROW Program.
Overall, the meeting was a success offering valuable knowledge, strengthening teamwork and emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration.
Team Building Training
Our team came together for an engaging team-building session aimed at improving communication and collaboration among the team.
One of the highlights was a fun exercise where each team member shared their “superpower,” a personal strength that they bring to the team. The teams combined their individual “superpowers” to create a single team superhero This exercise encouraged collaboration and under-scored how each person contributes to the overall success of the team.
Data Team drawing their team superhero “Doctor Excelsior”
CIDMONTHLY NEWSLETTER
The EOG Site Visit: A Firsthand Look at Field Operations
22May2025
The team recently had the opportunity to visit an active rig site, where they gained firsthand insight into field operations. During the tour, they observed a live connection being made, explored a doghouse, and got an up-close look at the rig’s control systems. They also had the chance to visit a gathering facility.
Field workers guided the tour, providing detailed explanations and answering questions throughout the visit. The team was able to ask direct questions about what they were seeing, deepening their understanding of field operations.
Reflecting on the experience, Jaime Gonzalez shared “My favorite part of the EOG site visit was being on the drilling rig and understanding the daily operations that occur 24/7.” Keisha Sanders noted “Something learned from the site visit: An Oil rig life is one to put some RESPECT on! Slipping and sliding in the mud is fun and all...but to do it on a consistent basis during our rainy season would drive me up the pipeline.” Aidan O’Keeffe added “I only ever see these facilities in spreadsheets or as points on a map, so seeing the real thing was informative. It was also quite fun since my work almost never involves tromping around in the mud. I thought we were going to have to climb one of those enormous ladders!”. These firsthand perspectives demonstrate just how valuable and eye opening the visit was.
The visit concluded with a warm gesture of hospitality a BBQ lunch provided by the EOG field crew. This experience not only offered an excellent learning opportunity but also helped the te ndustry professionals. Everyone left with a gr e on the ground and a clearer sense of how to rd. Vol.2/Issue6
CIDMONTHLY NEWSLETTER
In Honor of Mother’s Day: A Special Q&A Between a Mother and Daughter Duo at RRC
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters by spotlighting two incredible women who not only share family ties but also work side by side –well, almost! Meet Irene Matos-Burns, from O>echnical Permitting and Cheryl Burns, from the CID Division, a dynamic duo who work in different divisions here at RRC.
While their roles may differ, their shared values and mutual admiration bring a special energy to our workplace.
Checkout theirQ&A below:
Q: How did you both end up at the same agency?
C: The UIC department needed engineers, and mom is such an awesome employee for the RRCthey gave me an interview.
I: While working in Technical Permitting/Environmental Permits and Support, I noticed the Technical Permitting/Underground Injection Control Group had posted a position for a Technical Reviewer re-quiring an Engineering degree. I encouraged Cheryl to apply, as her merits and impressive GPA made her a great fit.
Q: What is it like working at the same agency as your daughter/mother?
C: I love it, she is never too far away. It’s always great to know I have her nearby when I am “having a day.”
I: I love having my daughter close and watching her grow with the RRC as I have. It’s a great agency with great people. Seeing her succeed fills me with pride in her and RRC for giving the opportunity.
Q: What is one thing you admire about your daughter/mother at work and outside of work?
C: She is always dependable and sincere with everything.
I: Cheryl has a Warrior spirit and always gives her best when engaged Problem-solving is a strength that comes naturally to her. She is great with people and full of compassion, always seeking the good in everyone.
Q: What is one special memory you have of working at the same agency?
C: Last year, RRC highlighted me, my sister, and my mother in their newsletter for Mother’s Day.
I: She teaches me patience and sets a high standard tofollow in all things.
Q: If your division had to compete in a challenge, which one would win and why?
C: I would say her division, they are way larger than us.
I: Of course, Environmental Permits and Supports in all things. But again, I’m bias.
CIDMONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Safety Topic
By: East Region
Encountering a Tornado While Driving
•Seeking shelter from a tornado under an overpass might sound like a good idea and it's an idea often captured in films, but meteorologists say that is one of the worst things you could do.
•Never try to seek shelter under a bridge or overpass, as these structures can actually amplify the speed of the winds and they offer little to no protection from flying debris.
•The narrow passage underneath an overpass could cause an increase in the wind speed under the bridge.
•There aren't any completely safe options if you're near a tornado while driving, just less dangerous ones.
•The safest option is always to seek shelter in a sturdy structure, especially underground. This can be achieved if the tornado is visible at a far distance and there is light traffic, by driving at right angles to the perceived path of the tornado and seeking shelter in a sturdy building off the roadway.
•The best driving decision you can make is to stay off the road until the weather clears. Stay low. Stay in your car, secured into your seat belt, and put your head down below the window, covering it with your hands or a blanket if you have one. Or, if you can safely get lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, using a protective covering like a blanket or tarp if you have one with you
•Lie down and cover your head with your hands. Being lower than the roadway will allow the strongest winds to pass over you and give you the lowest chance of being struck by flying de-bris. Flying debris is one of the greatest risks when a tornado hits.
•It is human instinct to run away from danger, and since cars reach speeds that exceed the speed of a tornado’s path, some people try to outrun tornadoes This is not a good idea for many reasons
•Tornado winds can blow large objects, including cars, hundreds of feet away. Tornadoes travel swiftly, can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck into the air.
•Tornadoes can travel at very high speeds Forward velocities can range as high as 60 or 70mph, these speeds are rare Tornadoes more commonly move at speeds ranging between 20and 40 mph
As we shift from hybrid work to back to the office, it’s okay if it feels like a big change This May, during MentalHealthAwarenessMonth,weareremindedthattakingcareofourmentalhealthwell-beingisjust asimportantasadaptingtonewroutines
Hereareafewmentalhealthtipstosupportasmootherreturn:
1.GoEasyonYourselfandOthers:Everyonewilladjusttoreturningtotheofficefulltimedifferently,sobe patientandempathetictoyourselfandothers.
CIDMONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Vol.02/Issue6
22May2025
2. Establish a Structure Routine: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, mealtimes, and commuteroutinetocreatepredictabilityandease.
3.Set Boundaries: Establish clear work and non-work boundaries to maintain a work-life balanceandavoidburnout.
4.Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as walking,journaling,ormindfulnesspractices.
Taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Lets support one another and buildhealthierhabitsaswemoveforwardtogether.
