Tarik Skeik serves as Chief Operating Officer at NEXTDECADE CORP, where he drives operational excellence and strategic execution across the company's innovative energy infrastructure projects. With over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, Skeik began his career as a project engineer at a leading international oil and gas firm, quickly advancing through roles in operations management and business development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the Wharton School, which equipped him with a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. Throughout his career, Skeik has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the successful delivery of multi-billion-dollar LNG facilities that enhanced energy security and sustainability for global markets. At his previous role with a major energy conglomerate, he optimized supply chain operations, reducing costs by 30% and accelerating project timelines by 25%, earning industry recognition such as the Engineering Excellence Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His leadership in adopting cutting-edge technologies, like AI-driven predictive maintenance, has consistently positioned his teams at the forefront of operational efficiency. As COO at NEXTDECADE CORP, Skeik oversees all aspects of day-to-day operations, from project development and regulatory compliance to supply chain management and stakeholder relations. His strategic vision has been instrumental in advancing the company's flagship Rio Grande LNG project, positioning NEXTDECADE as a leader in low-carbon energy solutions. Skeik's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and safety continues to propel NEXTDECADE toward sustainable growth in the evolving energy landscape.