Railroad Commission Hires First Chief Data Officer, New Government Relations Director

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission recently hired its first Chief Data Officer and also a new director of Government Relations.

Chief Data Officer Alkesh Amodwala and Government Relations Director Krista Duke have hit the ground running as the agency implements new legislation, including bills on data governance and natural gas infrastructure.

“We are very fortunate to be able to add Alkesh and Krista to our staff,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director. “Each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the agency that will be vital for the RRC in important initiatives to help residents and energy industry operators in Texas.”

Amodwala brings more than 15 years of experience in supply chain development, business intelligence, analytics and data governance/strategy to the RRC. Among his roles, he has worked for General Motors IT Branch – Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, Hewlett Packard and Home Depot.

Amodwala leads a new team in the RRC’s Information Technology Services Division focusing on data projects. The 10-member team consolidates experts in the agency and is working on data initiatives as well as supporting the work of the agency’s ongoing development of a map of the electric grid supply chain.

Duke, who is playing a critical role with the implementation of all the RRC’s state legislation and any federal legislation, has wide-ranging experience at the state Capitol. She most recently served in the Texas Senate as General Counsel and as Legislative Director for two senators, respectively. In addition, she held leadership positions in the offices of members of the Texas House of Representatives and House Committees.

She has a bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University and a law degree from St. Mary’s University.