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 in 2013 as a Landman, leasing minerals in Central Kansas. He then moved into a Financial Analyst role in 2015 and was focused on the evaluation of all acquisitions in Kansas. Austin has been actively involved in various departments throughout his tenure at Mai Oil and became VP of Finance in 2017.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
B.B.A., Finance, 2013
Minor in Accounting
Energy Management Program, 2013
Activities & Affiliations
• Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, Member
• HALO Group Dallas, Clayton Dabney Foundation, Member (Treasurer 2015-2017)
VP of EngineerING
Craig Farthing
Craig joined Mai Oil in 2019 with the acquisition of Empire Energy. Craig is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Natural Resource Management.
Craig is a 3rd generation oilman following the footsteps of his father and grandfather dating back to WWII, with their careers focused in the Central Kansas Uplift. Craig began his career in 2013 with Denbury Resources where he worked the Texas Gulf Coast Hastings Field, specializing in CO2 enhanced oil recovery. With the fall of 2015 oil prices, Craig was recruited by Empire Energy to specialize in cost reductions and production efficiency. Since then, his responsibilities have expanded to daily operations, production engineering, and reserve management.
With the transition to Mai Oil, Craig will continue to focus on all facets as before but with a more specific concentration on workover and recompletions to maximize Mai’s assets to the greatest potential.
Activities & Affiliations
• Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, Member
Education
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
B.S., Natural Resource Management, 2009
Dallas Office Administrator
Rebecca Passion
Rebecca began her career in the oil and gas industry in 2010, and has worked exclusively for Mai Oil. Rebecca is an honors graduate of Tarleton State University with a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Studies and English.
Rebecca is the liaison for the Dallas and Russell offices. Her responsibilities are diverse, as she plays an intricate role in the daily operations of the Dallas office, as well as manages the human resource needs of all employees company-wide.
Education
TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY
B.S., Exercise and Sports Studies, 2006 Minor in English
Activities & Affiliations
Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, Member