Experienced Professionals. utilizing The latest technology. delievering maximum results.
We are Revolutionizing the Utility & energy sector to redefine getting the job done right.
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J. Chase Bender
OWNER + PRESIDENT
Chase Bender is the visionary Owner and President of Bender Consulting, a company he founded with a clear mission: to unite top-tier industry professionals and deliver unparalleled consulting services through cutting-edge technology and expertise. With an extensive background in the energy sector, Chase has successfully led Bender Consulting from its inception to becoming a renowned multi-faceted land services firm.
Chase's career encompasses over 17 years of experience in project management, land acquisition, and title procurement, covering all major oil & gas plays in the lower 48 states. His expertise extends to the public utility and renewable energy sectors, where he has played a pivotal role in numerous projects, guiding them to successful outcomes with his strategic vision and deep industry knowledge.
Chase has established Bender's reputation as the premier consulting and land services company throughout the industry, partnering with energy and utility companies big and small to take on any need. Chase’s dedication to quality and innovation ensures that Bender Consulting continues to set industry standards, delivering exceptional results that get the job done right. His leadership and commitment to excellence remain at the heart of the company’s success and growth.
Chase’s certifications and licenses include:
TREC licensing
Membership to the International Right of Way Association
Certification and membership with the American Association of Professional Landmen
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Carissa J. Hill
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER & LANDMAN
Carissa is a distinguished Senior Project Manager/Landman at Bender Consulting, bringing over 15 years of extensive experience in utility, oil & gas, and project management to the team. Her expertise is a significant asset to our consulting team, characterized by her exceptional negotiation skills and organizational prowess.
Carissa has a proven track record of successfully navigating complex agreements across both public and private sectors. Her leadership spans a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, pipeline projects, public utilities, and renewable energy. What truly sets Carissa apart is her profound experience in title and curative work, areas in which she excels and adds considerable value.
Her ability to manage projects of varying scales with efficiency and effectiveness has made her an invaluable member of Bender Consulting. Carissa’s contributions over the past seven years underscore her role as a key driver of successful project outcomes and highlight her impact on the energy sector as a whole.
Carissa’s certifications and licenses include:
TREC licensing
Membership to the International Right of Way Association
RPL, Registered Professional Landman
Certification and membership with the American Association of Professional Landmen
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Jonathan T. Spinks
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jonathan proudly brings nearly a decade of A&D title and landman experience in the upstream oil & gas industry along with major leadership roles in both the private and public sector. Before joining our team, Jonathan served as the head of BD at a respected land services company, where he played a pivotal role in A&D projects managing billions in assets. His previous experience includes leading sizable teams of GIS specialists, in-house acquisition representatives, and title/due diligence landmen on well-funded projects across major oil and gas plays.
Jonathan's extensive industry background spans key regions including Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, where he has successfully overseen a wide range of projects. His deep understanding of the industry and his strategic approach have been instrumental in handling complex transactions and optimizing project outcomes.
In addition to his industry experience, Jonathan has a notable track record in public service, having worked in and with the Arkansas State Senate and House of Representatives. His work in these governmental roles involved successful lobbying efforts on behalf of both large and small businesses, demonstrating his ability to influence policy and advocate effectively.
Jonathan’s certifications & licenses include:
American Association of Professional Landmen
Landman Associations :Permian Basin , Forth Worth, Denver, West Houston and East Texas.
Texas Oil & Gas Association Member
International Right of Way Association
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FRED CHEEK
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Fred Cheek has an accomplished background as Senior Project Manager, combining military discipline, forensic expertise, and extensive experience in the oil & gas, utilities and renewables industries.
Fred served honorably in the US Army in 1992, where he developed a strong foundation in leadership and operational excellence. Following his military service, he earned his degree at the UALR, specializing in Forensics where he then went into law enforcement for nearly two decades.
Transitioning to the oil & gas industry in 2006, Fred began his work with the Fayetteville Shale as a permit agent and field agent. Over the next decade, he expanded his role as a Landman, gaining extensive experience in title research, acquisitions, water procurement, and overseeing tank battery construction. His in-depth industry knowledge contributed significantly to various projects across the country in almost every play.
In recent years, Fred has transitioned to focusing on utilities and renewables, where he continues to deepen his understanding of energy and utility sectors.
Fred’s certifications and licenses include:
TREC licensing
Membership to the International Right of Way Association
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RYAN KETTLE
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Ryan Kettle is a seasoned Senior Project Manager with 20 years of comprehensive experience in overseeing and executing projects related to power line and pipeline layouts. His expertise spans a diverse range of industries, including oil, gas, renewables, and public utilities.
Ryan’s career has been marked by his adept negotiation skills, successfully securing easements and purchases for well pads, batteries, substations, and other critical infrastructure. His proficiency extends to managing complex title issues, curative processes, and condemnation proceedings, ensuring that all project components are handled with precision and expertise.
With a proven track record and a deep understanding of industry demands, Ryan Kettle continues to drive successful project outcomes and contribute to the advancement of infrastructure development across multiple sectors.
Ryan’s certifications and licenses include:
TREC licensing
Membership to the International Right of Way Association
Member - American Association of Professional Landmen
Member, Permian Basin Landman Association
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NICK WHITENER
SENIOR TITLE & PROJECT MANAGER
Nick Whitener is a distinguished Senior Title & Project Manager with over 16 years of specialized experience in title research and review. His career spans multiple states, including Arkansas, Michigan, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas, showcasing his broad geographic and industry expertise.
Nick holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, which complements his extensive background in title management. His deep knowledge and comprehensive experience enable him to offer invaluable insights and strategic guidance to clients, ensuring they receive exceptional quality and precision in title services.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills, Nick excels in navigating complex title issues and delivering effective solutions. His dedication to excellence and client satisfaction underscores his role as a key asset to any project, consistently providing top-tier title management services.
Nick’s certifications and licenses include:
Certified Member - American Association of Professional Landmen
Membership to the International Right of Way Association
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SUZANNE WHITENER
SENIOR TITLE & LAND MANAGER
Suzanne Whitener brings a wealth of expertise with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Suzanne has applied her administrative prowess to the landman profession, specializing in oil, gas, and right-of-way services across a broad geographical range including Michigan, Kansas, Illinois, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas. Her work in these areas has been marked by a deep understanding of industry-specific needs and a commitment to meticulous, results-driven service.
In addition to her landman experience, Suzanne offers significant expertise in title research, heirship curative, and data and analytical management. Her ability to handle complex research tasks and manage intricate data sets has proven invaluable, contributing to the successful navigation of challenging projects and the delivery of accurate, actionable insights.
Suzanne's Certifications & Licenses:
Member, International Right of Way Association
Member, AAPL
Notary Public
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DANNY ROWE
SENIOR GIS SPECIALIST
A robust career spanning over two decades in GIS and surveying, Danny has built a distinguished reputation in the industry through diverse and comprehensive expertise. After serving honorably in the US Navy, Danny transitioned to the field of spatial information systems, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to various roles.
Danny graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2007, earning a BS in Spatial Information Systems with a Minor in Forestry.
His professional career has span over two decades working for Petit Jean Electric Co, Hoffman & Associates as Survey Party Chief, NTB & Associates, as well as Kingfisher Exploration as Lead GIS Mapper, playing a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining the company’s mapping department until its closure due to COVID-19.
Danny's Certifications & Licenses:
Member, Arkansas Society of Professional Surveyors
Member, International Right of Way Association
Member, AAPL
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HALEY WILLIAMS
RIGHT-OF-WAY SPECIALIST
Haley’s experience and dedication to her work as a ROW Agent isn’t uncommon at Bender Consulting. Having attended Sam Houston State with her concentration being in Environmental Science and Business, she brings her wealth of knowledge to our Houston field team and is driven by success for each client.
During her time as a right-of-way agent for Bender, she’s worked tirelessly on some of the largest projects that have yielded tremendous results. Having agents like Haley being able to work in several different sectors is what sets Bender Consulting apart from the rest in the industry.
Haley’s certifications and licenses include:
Membership to the International Right of Way Association
Member - American Association of Professional Landmen
Notary Public for the State of Texas
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ALEXIS AYALA
ADMINISTRATION
Alexis brings nearly a decade of experience in various fields providing customer-facing services and support. The common thread in all of these were her game-changing way of thinking which brought innovation and growth to several companies. The highlight of which was her 5-year tenure as COO for a small software agency.
In this role, Alexis strategically propelled the firm from inception to yearly revenue in the mid six-figures and a remarkable portfolio featuring high-profile clients.
