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

• Progress on roads, infrastructure, and safety

• Enhancing quality of life for Permian Basin residents

• The growing role of PSP member companies and community partners

• How collaboration is driving long-term, sustainable impact

Tracee also highlights the importance of partnership between industry, education, healthcare, and local communities and how those relationships are shaping a stronger future for West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on the people, policies, and partnerships powering the Permian Basin. The future lies in the Permian and we are all in this together.

Thanks for listening and sharing.

Host: Krista Escamilla

Produced by: Escamilla Media

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 honors, including the Distinguished College Administrator Award from Phi Theta Kappa and multiple “Great College to Work For” designations.

In this conversation, Dr. Beardmore shares:

• His vision for SENMC and the role community colleges play in transforming lives

• How PSP and SENMC are partnering to strengthen educational pathways in the Permian Basin

• Why he believes so deeply in access, opportunity, and the power of education

• What being a first-generation college student taught him about serving students today

• His journey from private industry to academic leadership and what drives him forward

As a proud father, educator, and first-generation college graduate, Dr. Beardmore brings both heart and expertise to the Permian Basin’s future workforce conversations.

Thanks for Listening.

We are all in this together and the future lies in The Permian.

Host: Krista Escamilla

Produced by Escamilla Media for The Permian Strategic Partnership

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 sees as the key priorities moving forward for PSP and the Permian Basin community.

Real-world examples of PSP’s impact: education initiatives, workforce development, road safety and how local communities are benefiting.

Jack explains how industry, government, and communities can come together for meaningful regional development.

Whether you live or work in the Permian Basin, are interested in regional development, energy-industry dynamics, or community impact, this episode offers a front-row seat to a unique leadership conversation and actionable insight into how collaborations are shaping the future of the region.

Stay connected: Visit the Permian Strategic Partnership: https://permianpartnership.org/

Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations like this (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify)

Thanks for listening and sharing.

We are all in this together and the future lies in the Permian.

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