Thomas E. Schmidt was named vice president—operating compliance & external relations of Swift Energy in April 2007. In that capacity, he interacts with government regulators to ensure that Swift meets regulatory requirements in a timely matter that ensures uninterrupted operations. He also consults with various state and federal legislators concerning relevant legislation that impacts Swift. This work is primarily focused in South Louisiana where Swift Energy is operating in numerous parishes. Mr. Schmidt also represents Swift in numerous industry and investor relations forums, speaking with the authority of 35 years of work in the oil and gas industry as a geologist, reservoir engineer, and economic evaluator. Joining the company in 1987, he has served as vice president—exploitation and development (2001-2007), director of development (1995-2000), and manager of development (1993-1995). Earlier, he held the positions of acquisition geologist (1987-1988), exploitation geologist (1989-1991), and geological engineer (1991-1993), frequently serving as an expert witness in geology and reservoir engineering before various oil and gas commissions.

Prior to joining Swift Energy, Schmidt was manager of geology with Damson Oil Company and manager of engineering and development for Home Petroleum. In these positions he was responsible for generating and directing development drilling programs, budget presentations, and annual reserves determinations and for analyzing economic potential under risk conditions. In these and other positions with Houston Oil & Minerals and Shell Oil, he has proposed or directed development activity in most of the significant oil and gas areas on shore in the United States.

Mr. Schmidt holds both a bachelor of science degree (1970) and a master of science degree (1971) in geological engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla. He is a member of the board of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association and a member of the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry. He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, the American Petroleum Institute, the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, the Houston Producers’ Forum, and Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association. He also serves as Swift’s representative to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.