Jerry McDonald, Montana State Leader
– Tell us about yourself
My name is Jerry McDonald and I am an engineer and the CEO of Flatiron Power Systems. Over the past 27 years I have successfully managed a number of high capital projects in mission critical environments. I recognize concise, active communication as the key in keeping the process running smoothly and avoiding “vertical” time lines. Experience has also shown me the value of leaving technical details to those closest to them while personally maintaining the binary knowledge to leverage the technical skills of all the project team. I am a firm believer in assigning tasks to appropriate levels of experience, discipline in managing up and down the chain of command and remain mindful of the need for technical creativity to express itself without permitting coloring too far outside the lines.
– Why are you a part of the Pickens Plan?
In 1956, Shell Oil geologist M. King Hubbert predicted that U.S. onshore oil production would peak in 1970 and just as predicted, U.S. oil production peaked at 9.6 million barrels per day in 1970, precisely when Hubbert said it would. And it is no coincidence that since 1970 our country has been increasingly held hostage by foreign oil interests. I can’t leave this legacy to my children. Boone’s plan is not the final plan but it is a start. I have decided it should start with me.
– Tell us about things you’ve done to promote the Pickens Plan.
I regularly recruit friends and family to the plan and have made a lot more friends by talking it up to perfect strangers. I have been privileged to have an Op-Ed piece published in every Montana newspaper. I have directly communicated to our national representatives and have been able to convince professional and political organizations throughout Montana to endorse the Plan and its associated legislation.
– Share one idea for what you’d like to accomplish through your work with the Pickens Plan in the next 3 months.
I would like the county boards of Missoula, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Lewis & Clark, Cascade and Silver Bow counties to pass resolutions in favor of the Pickens Plan. Montana is a big state and I could really use some help (hint hint).
“Meet the Army” is a series here on Daily Pickens featuring New Energy Army members and how they are making a difference by being involved in the Pickens Plan. Who knows, maybe we’ll see you here soon! Click here to join your State and District Groups and get involved.