Mai Oil Operations, Inc. is a privately held, independent oil operator and producer focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties. Founded in 1949, Mai Oil has over six decades of industry experience and operational expertise. Mai Oil has a legacy of excellence in the state of Kansas and is currently ranked the #6 operator in Kansas, according to 2020 Kansas Geological Survey Top 50 Oil Producers.
Headquartered in Dallas, TX with a regional office in Russell, Kansas, Mai Oil currently employs 15 full-time personnel and uses 40+ contract field personnel in Kansas for the operation of its wells. Mai Oil’s core areas of operations are in the Mid-Continent region of the United States.
Mai Oil
President
Kurt Mai
Kurt Mai has over 30 years of experience in the oil industry and has been actively involved in the family businesses from an early age. He learned the oil and gas business beginning in the field as a Swamper and Relief Pumper during his high school and college days. Kurt graduated from the University of Kansas in 1983 with a Bachelor of General Studies and then went on to manage the Mai family owned Thorntree Country Club business until it was sold in 1991.
Kurt then began working with his father Rich L. Mai, in the family Mai Oil business beginning June 1991. In 1993, Kurt purchased the company from his father who continued to be an integral business partner in the company for many years.
Since the purchase in 1993, Kurt has increased Mai Oil production fivefold. He continues to provide the same dedication to the company’s current operations.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Bachelor of General Studies, 1983
Activities & Affiliations
• Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, Board of Directors • NSWA, Member
• IPAA, Member
• DEPA, Member
VP of exploration
Chase Lybbert
Chase joined Mai Oil in 2008. Chase graduated from Texas Christian University with a B.B.A/B.S. in Finance in 2007 and then went to work as an independent landman. Chase is a registered professional landman, with practical land experience across the Mid-Continent region. He has been a member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen and the Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen for over 10 years. Chase has been very instrumental in the growth of the company through leasing, seismic acquisition, and purchasing existing production.
Education
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
B.B.A./B.S., Finance, 2007
Activities & Affiliations
• AAPL Association, Member
• DAPL, Member
VP of Finance
Austin Mai
Austin joined Mai Oil in 2013. Austin is a graduate of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, where he earned a degree in Finance and Accounting. He also received his certification from UT’s Energy Management Program.
Austin began his career with Mai Oil as a landman, then quickly shifted towards a financial role. His experience at Mai Oil includes financial analysis, acquisitions, hedging, credit facilities, and investor and banking relations.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
B.B.A., Finance, 2013
Minor in Accounting
Energy Management Program, 2013
Activities & Affiliations
• Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, Board of Directors
• HALO Group Dallas, Clayton Dabney Foundation, Member (Treasurer 2015-2017)
REGISTERED LANDMAN
Tawn Harrison
Tawn joined Mai Oil in 2025. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a B.S. in Human Sciences. She is a Registered Landman by the American Association of Petroleum Landmen with experience in both Kansas and North Dakota. She is well versed in all aspects of oil & gas including land analysis, drilling, production, and regulatory.
Education
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
B.S., Human Sciences
Activities & Affiliations
• Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, Member
• AAPL, Member
• FWAPL, Member
Office manager
Elliot Jaramillo
Elliot joined Mai Oil in 2025 and serves as Office Manager. She brings a background in organizational leadership and coordination, supporting daily administrative functions across the company. Elliot primarily supports financial functions and executive leadership, while also assisting land and engineering teams and contributing to cross-functional efforts that support efficient day-to-day operations.