Independent Director
Mr. Nichols has more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, with a focus on exploration and production, economic evaluation, financial analysis, field development, and operations. He has been actively involved in both operated and non-operated investments, with experience across asset acquisition, development, and monetization.
In 2006, Mr. Nichols co-founded an oil and gas exploration company in North Texas, where he and his partners drilled multiple successful wells and acquired non-operated interests. The team also developed and sold saltwater disposal facilities to Barnett Shale operators, and the business was successfully monetized in 2012, generating above-market returns for investors.
Following the sale of the business, Mr. Nichols has remained active in the sector through working interest investments, drilling partnerships, and joint venture development initiatives, utilizing both conventional bank financing and private equity capital. He continues to support Monterey as both a board member and advisor on acquisitions, asset evaluation, and field development.
Mr. Nichols is a U.S. Air Force veteran and former fighter pilot, and later flew for American Airlines for more than 20 years, including his final 7 years as a Captain, and holds a BS in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University.