Management Team
James C. Bruner – Chief Manager
“Jim” is a graduate of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (B.S.1972), and has 30 years experience in the oil and gas industry. The majority of his experience has been leasing, drilling and developing prospects in the Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia portions of the Appalachian Basin. Most recently (1999 to 2008) Mr. Bruner as Chief Manager of New River Energy, LLC and its 50% partner CNX GAS, LLC formed Knox Energy, LLC. Knox Energy, LLC has over 200,000 acres currently under development in East Tennessee. New River Energy, LLC sold its membership in Knox Energy, LLC to its partner in 2008. In 2009 the Tennessee Oil and Gas Association recognized Mr. Bruner as “Oilman of the Year”.
jim@planetenergyllc.com
John C. Bruner – Operations Manager
“Carey” graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a B.A. in Speech Communications and the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters of Architecture . Previously, Carey worked for Nalco Chemical Company managing the chemical treatment program for BP Thunderhorse production platform in the Gulf of Mexico. He has been part owner of Planet Energy since its inception in 1996 but, recently has decided to devote his attention full time to Planet’s future growth opportunities.
carey@planetenergyllc.com
Robert Smithson – Land Manager
Rob graduated from The University of North Florida with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics. Prior to joining Planet Energy, he served as senior Manager for Molinaro Koger Hotels India Pvt. Ltd., sourcing land sites for international hotels chains. Rob brings an extensive background in real estate development, and land title examinations.
rob@planetenergyllc.com
Phillip Derryberry – Geologist
Phillip graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a B.S. in Geosciences and later earned his M.S. in Structural Geology and Tectonics from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was the lead geologist for two of the deepest wells in the Western Highland Rim, and therefore has firsthand knowledge of the subsurface geology there.
phillip@planetenergyllc.com