Meet The Team

As CEO of Ventana, Heather holds a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic vision and operational excellence, overseeing both its core functions as well as leading A&D efforts. Under Heather’s leadership, Ventana launched its organic acquisition strategy in late 2016 building an impressive portfolio of over 65,000 net acres and over 5,000 wells across Oklahoma.

Prior to Ventana, Heather managed various functions across land, business development and regulatory for RKI Exploration and Production, LLC, which merged with WPX Energy, Inc., in 2015 for $2.35 billion. She began her career in 2004 as a landman at Chesapeake Energy where her passion for A&D began. As an avid user of energy, she is committed to playing a part in America’s energy independence and educating the public of the importance of producing clean, affordable oil and natural gas in our country.

Heather serves on the Board of the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, OERB as well as the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City and is active with the Oklahoma City Association of Professional Landmen, Oklahoma Energy Explorers and ADAM-OKC.

When she’s not immersed in her professional endeavors, Heather treasures moments with her family and indulges her passion for global exploration.

Tom is a seasoned professional in the oil and gas industry with extensive experience in reservoir engineering, resource development, and asset management. With prior roles at RKI Exploration & Production, Red Bluff Resources and Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Tom has played a pivotal role in driving resource development and asset management strategies across multiple basins. Tom received his B.S. in Petroleum Engineering Technology and M.S. in Engineering and Technology Management from Oklahoma State University and a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Becky Pope joined the Ventana team in April 2019. She previously worked at Red Bluff Resources as a Reservoir Technician II, RKI Exploration & Production, LLC as a Reservoir Technician and GMX Resources as a Geosciences Technician. Within each company she has navigated multiple basins including the STACK/SCOOP/Merge, Permian, Haynesville/Cotton Valley, Powder River & Bakken. She grew up in Verden, OK and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Communications from the University of Central Oklahoma. Becky carries a legacy spanning four generations in the Oil and Gas Industry. When not at work, she enjoys sporting events, traveling, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and puppy.

Rachel Sanger started her career in Accounting at Chaparral Energy in 2013. Prior to working at Ventana, she worked at Neiman Marcus Headquarters in Dallas, TX where she was able to use her accounting skills to focus on Marketing and Creative sales for a worldwide brand. Rachel grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. When she isn’t working, she likes to spend time with family and go to OU football games and Thunder games.

Reese Strickland received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Oklahoma State University and began her career at James R. Minnix, CPA, where she worked as a tax accountant until joining Ventana in February of 2022. She initially served as a staff accountant but now spearheads the non-operated Revenue and Joint Interest Billing departments in her current role as Senior Accountant. Although Reese is the third generation of her family lineage to pursue a career in Oil and Gas, her fascination with the industry began in 2017, when she interned for Cook Resources and gained firsthand exposure to the complex nature of the oil and gas sector. She was born and raised in Tulsa, OK, but now calls Oklahoma City her home, with her husband and two dogs, Rolo and Madden.

Lauren Cunningham joined the Ventana team in March 2023. She first gained experience in oil and gas at Cactus Drilling where she worked in human resources and payroll. Lauren graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Lauren loves to spend her time reading, trying out new spots in OKC, and cheering on the Thunder.

Tristan Hall completed her high school education in Choctaw, Oklahoma, before earning an associate’s degree from OSU OKC. With a background in marketing and real estate, she has cultivated valuable computer and communication skills. Despite being new to the oil and gas sector, Tristan’s adaptability, and eagerness to learn led her to join Ventana in March 2023 as an Associate Accountant. In her spare time, Tristan enjoys hanging out with her two sons and watching them as they excel in their academics and athletics.

Dana Hutton joined the Ventana team in March of 2023 and manages administrative functions at the company. Prior to Ventana she worked 10+ years in the transportation industry, the majority of which was at TBS Factoring, LLC where she held various positions. When she is not working, she loves spending time with her husband and twins. She enjoys many hobbies which help her to maintain a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.

Michael joined the Ventana team in February 2024. His professional land career began with Chesapeake in 2012. After his tenure there, he served in various roles in title examination, leasehold acquisitions, and project management with Penterra Services, LLC and Paragon Land Consultants, Inc., and participated independently in acquisition and divestiture activities throughout Oklahoma beginning in 2017. Michael is a Certified Professional Landman, and an active member of AAPL and OCAPL. Beyond his life as a landman, Michael enjoys dating his wife, Jessica, and spending time with his four children—Nate, Haleigh, Remi and Livi—in all their activities from the marching band to the gymnastics mat.  He enjoys a round of golf every chance he gets and can often be found doing some form of work on the weekends to get his lawn just right.

Thomas Gilstrap joined the Ventana team in February 2024. Prior to working at Ventana, he worked as a Landman at BCF Minerals acquiring royalty interest across the SCOOP and STACK. Thomas grew up in St. Louis and graduated from the University of Tulsa, Energy Management program in 2020. When he isn’t working, he likes to explore and try new places in Oklahoma City with his wife.