Our People

Ashton B. Geren, Jr. has over 60 years experience in the oil and gas industry and has drilled and completed more than 200 wells. Following service in World War II as a lead navigator on a B17, A.B. earned a BS degree in geology from Texas A & M University. His career includes service with several major and independent producers and consultants in the gulf coast region, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Colorado. His association with D.J. Simmons dates to his relationship with his uncle and company founder Jack Simmons.

Working with Mr. Simmons and subsequently the family estate, Mr. Geren moved to Farmington in 1952 to oversee the company. From that start, A.B. has overseen the company’s growth in the San Juan and Paradox basins of New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. He continues in active service with the company identifying opportunities for growth.

John Byrom has served with the company since 1994 and as its President and CEO since 2001. In his capacity, John is responsible for partner development, capital projects, strategic planning, and oversight of the sister company, Twin Stars, a natural gas compressor company.

John has extensive experience in acquisition analysis and negotiations and has lead the company through numerous successful property purchases. He is also well versed in local, state, and Federal government relations.

Active in the industry, John is past President of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico and currently serves on its board. He is on the board of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association and the Western Energy Alliance, as well as the Farmington Chamber of Commerce.

John is a graduate of Texas A&M and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Jeff Parkes has more than 20 years experience in industry and public accounting and joined DJ Simmons in 1998 where he is now Finance Officer. In this capacity, Jeff oversees the finance and accounting activities and general business management functions of DJ Simmons and its subsidiaries.

Prior to joining Simmons, Mr. Parkes held several positions with Mesa Air Group – a large regional commercial airline. Jeff was the divisional controller for a $140MM division and later the Director of Airline Accounting for all airline operations of the then $300MM company.

Jeff holds a BS in accounting degree with honors from the University of Arizona. He’s worked in public accounting including the international firm of KPMG and is a licensed CPA in the State of New Mexico. Jeff is active in COPAS (the Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies, Inc.).

Rod joined DJ Simmons in 2006 as Production Manager and is responsible for all aspects of production engineering and day-to-day operations. In total, Rod has 30 plus years experience with major and large independent oil companies in the Permian and San Juan Basins.

His many accomplishments include unconventional leading-edge implementations of available technology that resulted in significant financial successes for several of his employers. Hands-on learning of oil and gas project development has provided Rod with the necessary skills to guide integrated operations in ways that maximize production volumes while minimizing costs. Rod is very experienced with drilling and completions with emphasis on hydraulic fractures in tight gas sands.

Farm and ranch-raised in Tucumcari, New Mexico, Rod holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University. Rod has been a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers since 1978 and a registered Professional Engineer in Texas since 1983.

Dave joined DJ Simmons in March 2012 and is responsible for oversight of all geoscience activities.  He has 25+ years experience as a geologist in the oil and gas industry which includes both major and independent oil company background as well as domestic and international assignments.  Immediately prior to his new role, he was employed for 14 years by ConocoPhillips through acquisition of Burlington Resources.  During his last 2 years of employment with COP, Dave was located in Brisbane, Australia as Manager CSG Geoscience, a secondment role within Origin Energy, upstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG which is a CSG to LNG joint venture between COP and Origin.  Dave has caused successful wells to be drilled in the San Juan, Paradox and Williston Basins, Southwest Kansas and Oklahoma Panhandle.  He has managed successful exploration and development drilling programs. He is a graduate of Colorado College and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology.  Dave has been a member of the Four Corners Geological Society since 1990 and served two terms as Treasurer.  He is also member of AAPG and a Certified Petroleum Geologist.

Walter has more than 30 years experience as an independent and company landman working in oil and gas exploration in the Rocky Mountain States. He has been working full time in the San Juan and Paradox basins since 1987 and joined DJ Simmons in 2004.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas and served as a United States Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam from 1968 to 1973. Following his military service, Walter worked in various construction management positions from 1974 to 1979.

Walter is a Certified Professional Landman of the American Association of Professional Landmen. He is also a member of the Four Corners Association of Professional Landmen and serves as a director of the La Plata County Colorado Energy Council.