Jack Balagia ’76 has been named the new executive director of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience from his distinguished career in the energy and legal sectors.
Balagia was on the legal team at Exxon Mobil Corp. for nearly two decades, including serving as vice president and general counsel from 2010 until his retirement in 2016. As general counsel, he led a global law department of 450 lawyers and 350 support professionals across 31 offices worldwide. During his time at Exxon Mobil, Balagia played a key role in guiding the company through a wide range of legal challenges, from litigation and regulatory compliance to corporate governance.
The KBH Energy Center’s multidisciplinary approach and industry connections make it a significant resource for students and professionals interested in the energy sector, and it works to address current challenges facing the future of energy. The University of Texas at Austin center is a joint endeavor of the School of Law, the McCombs School of Business, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and, as of 2024, the Jackson School of Geosciences.
“I can think of no one better suited for this role and I am just delighted that Jack has accepted the position,” says Sen. Hutchison. “I am confident that his leadership will drive the center to new heights, furthering our mission to be the pre-eminent energy center in the nation.”
In his new role, Balagia aims to build on the center’s strong foundation while expanding its reach and influence. “As executive director, I have the opportunity to work with Sen. Hutchison, university leadership and the KBH Center’s leadership council in furthering the center’s mission,” says Balagia.
“What is particularly appealing to me is that the center is not only student-focused, with strong mentoring and internship programs, but also brings together, through its annual symposium, thought leaders from across the country to discuss and advocate for a secure national energy policy,” he shares. “That is a great foundation on which to build.”
A Commitment to Service
Balagia has been a steady presence at UT and the law school since his retirement from Exxon Mobil. He has served as an adjunct professor at Texas Law, teaching an upper-level course in oil and gas law every spring, and was chair of the Law School Foundation board of trustees for four years, now taking senior trustee status.
Throughout his career, Balagia has served in numerous capacities with committees of the State Bar of Texas, including several years as chairman of its public affairs committee. In 2000, the Texas Supreme Court appointed him to the Court’s Board of Disciplinary Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Texas lawyer disciplinary matters, and he served as chairman for two years. In 2016, the Court appointed him to the Texas Commission to Expand Civil Legal Services.
The Center’s Future
Balagia’s goals as executive director of the KBH Energy Center include enhancing student-focused initiatives such as mentorship programs and internships, as well as increasing the promotion of scholarship published under the center’s banner. He also envisions the center becoming a leading voice in national energy policy, advocating for responsible and efficient use of all energy sources, from renewable technologies to oil and gas.
With Balagia at the helm, the KBH Energy Center is poised to continue its mission of addressing the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector while educating the next generation of energy leaders. His leadership promises to elevate the center’s role as a national thought leader on energy policy, making a lasting impact on both UT and the broader energy industry.
The KBH Energy Center’s annual Energy Symposium—an event that brings together thought leaders from across the country to discuss energy policy and industry trends—will be held Sept. 13, 2024, with nearly 500 participants expected from across Texas and the country.