United States Navy
1984 – 1989
1989 – 1990
1990 – 2003
2003 – 2007
2015 – Present
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About Mike Ariza (in studio with us today)
I was born in Fairfield California on October 8, 1965. Raised in Vacaville California graduating from Vacaville High School in June of 1984. In July of 1984 I joined the United States Navy in the delayed entry Nuclear Power program. While in the Navy I obtained the rank of Machinist Mate petty officer 2nd class working in engineering. I left the Navy to hire at the Chevron Richmond Refinery in 1989. At Chevron I qualified as an operator at the North Isomax (hydrocracker) plant. I left Chevron in October of 1990 to work at the Exxon Benicia Refinery. Built in 1969, The Exxon Refinery in Benicia was a pioneer design. To this very day the former Exxon, now Valero refinery has a unique complexity that still makes it the most advanced and efficient refinery in the state of California. After 3 years I went into the Control Room to certify on the “A” complex units. Within 5 years I obtained the highest non-management pay level certification of senior refinery technician. And within the same timeframe I completed qualifications as a Control Board Supervisor for all 8 of the “A” Complex units. As an “A” control Supervisor I was responsible for the safe operation of 8 major refinery units at the same time. These 8 simultaneously operated units are the pioneer design that is unique to Benicia. Very few Refineries are built like this in the entire world. In other locations operators typically operate and control one major refinery unit. In the case of Valero, a Control Board Supervisor controls 8 major units at the same time. When you combine the Hydrogen Generation Unit and the Hydrocracker Unit that I ran down in Bakersfield with the units that I ran at Valero it has given me a complete understanding of how an entire Refinery operates. My experience-based understanding is unique in the refining industry. It is this understanding that has driven me to collaborate with Assemblyman Ellis and Professor Mische in order to deal with the crisis that is already upon us. |
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About Professor Michael Mische
Michael Mische is the Associate Professor of the Practice of Management and Organization. He is widely sought for his independent and objective perspective, exceptional consulting acumen, boardroom skills and direct, Socratic, data driven and client centric style of addressing highly complex and critical strategic, organizational, operational and positioning issues. A member of the USC faculty since 1997, Mische is responsible for teaching and coordinating USC’s Marshall management consulting undergraduate and graduate curricula and programs. Mische brings over 43 years of global management consulting experience in strategic planning, mergers, turnarounds and strategic innovation to both the classroom and clients. |
32nd Assembly District
California State Capitol Office P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0032 |
About California Assemblyman Stan Ellis
Stan Ellis is a farmer, local businessman, and community member with deep roots in the Central Valley. Growing up on a hog farm in South Dakota, he worked to put himself through college at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. After graduating with a degree in mathematics, Stan settled down in Kern County, where he began an extensive entrepreneurial career. He started several small businesses across various fields, including oil, agriculture, chemical process, and reclamation. His work in quantum physics includes innovations in quantum communication, quantum networking, and the development of revolutionary medical research and treatment using quantum entanglement. Stan started his career in the Kern County oil industry in 1975 as a “mud engineer” before forming his first company in 1981. After this company found success, Stan entered the chemical process industry to minimize waste from oil refineries. He has since founded a quantum physics lab as well as a company that works with the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense to advance cybersecurity in the U.S. As a member of the Cal State University, Bakersfield Engineering Advisory Board, Stan is invested in the education and growth of the next generation. With a family spanning five children, twenty grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, Stan is motivated by a profound sense of duty to future generations. |
This paper is the basis for the media links below. It was written by our guests.
Related Articles - check back for more as we get them on this topic
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