The University of Houston – C.T. Bauer College of Business will rename the Global Energy Management Institute (GEMI) in honor of alumni and energy executive Joe Gutierrez.
Graduating in 2014 from Bauer’s Executive MBA program, Gutierrez has been a generous supporter of the college, made possible through his family foundation. Over the past two years, his gifts have helped support student scholarships and athletics, and will now help to fund research and programs at GEMI.
The organization, now the Gutierrez Energy Management Institute, is a resource for business leaders as they deal with current industry challenges and prepare for the future. Founded in 2001 under the leadership of then-dean Arthur Warga, the institute was the result of a broader goal to engage the energy industry within Houston and across the globe. Today, the institute offers an in-depth opportunity to engage with the industry, including development programs, graduate certificates and symposia.
Bauer Dean Latha Ramchand commented on the importance of energy to Houston’s economy. “Our role as Houston’s business school is to provide a forum for education, discussion and innovation for energy leaders and professionals during good times and bad. Learning to grow during down cycles is as important and even more so than learning to lead during up cycles.”
Gutierrez’s experience includes more than 10 years involvement with Mobil Natural gas Inc., a division of Mobil Oil Corporation. Prior to Mobil, Gutierrez held various positions with the Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America. In 1996, he co-founded NET Midstream, and has since helped to build the company through development of natural gas pipelines throughout Texas.
“The University of Houston does an excellent job in developing students in all the necessary disciplines that made our company successful, such as legal, finance, engineering, business, accounting, environmental, and risk management” said Gutierrez.