Interior says Johnnie Burton to head US Minerals Management Service

Feb. 7, 2002
It's official. Secretary of Interior Gale Norton Thursday announced R.M. "Johnnie" Burton, head of the Wyoming Department of Revenue since 1998, will be the director of the US Minerals Management Service effective Mar. 15. Government and industry sources speaking on condition of anonymity first revealed the decision last month (OGJ Online, Jan. 8, 2002).

Maureen Lorenzetti
OGJ Online

WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 7 -- It's official. Secretary of Interior Gale Norton Thursday announced R.M. "Johnnie" Burton, head of the Wyoming Department of Revenue since 1998, will be the director of the US Minerals Management Service effective Mar. 15.

Government and industry sources speaking on condition of anonymity first revealed the decision last month (OGJ Online, Jan. 8, 2002).

"Ms. Burton has the background and professional qualifications that are critical to this challenging position," Norton said in a written statement. "Johnnie is the right person, at the right time, to lead this agency and the vital role it will play in helping the nation focus on its energy-related challenges."

The post does not require Senate confirmation.

"I am excited about leading the MMS at this critical time," Burton said. "I look forward to the challenges of this very important position."

Norton said Burton's background provides a solid mix of experience in state government, the oil and gas industry, and education. Since 1995, she served on the governor of Wyoming's cabinet, as director of the Department of Revenue. During Burton's term, the state's share of royalty revenues from oil and gas produced on federal land increased dramatically. According to new MMS data, Wyoming received a record $429.6 million in 2001, up from $333 million the year before. The record payment reflected increased domestic drilling, especially in coalbed methane plays, and higher oil and gas prices in the early part of last year.

Diemer True, chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, said, "Johnnie Burton is a knowledgeable and experienced administrator who has been very successful as the director of the Wyoming department of revenue. She has been successful in her own business, successful as a state legislator, successful as a state administrator, and, I believe, will serve with distinction as MMS director. The breadth and depth of her experience will be a great asset to the Department of Interior and the Bush administration."

Before her cabinet position, Burton was vice-president of TCF Inc. an oil and gas exploration company based in Casper, Wyo. She also served in the state legislature and has held various positions of responsibility with oil data publishing companies. Born in French Algeria, Burton immigrated to the US in 1963 and became an American citizen in 1968. She has two grown children.

Contact Maureen Lorenzetti at [email protected]