Meet Our Team
Meet the energy behind Paloma. Our team brings together industry experience, technical knowledge, and a relentless commitment to serving our clients with professionalism, urgency, and excellence.
Tracy Lirette
Vice-President, Sr. Project Manager
Chris Kruppa
Project Manager
Chris Kruppa joined Paloma Energy Consultants in 2002 and brings over 28 years of experience in the offshore construction industry, with extensive involvement in offshore facility construction, platform installation and removal, pipeline installation and repair, and decommissioning operations. Chris began his career as a structural draftsman with Conservatek Industries in Conroe, Texas, where he was involved in design and product development, and continued working in that role during the summers while attending Texas A&M University.
After graduating, Chris worked as a Project Engineer with RCI and Lowe Offshore, gaining experience across a wide range of offshore construction activities. At Paloma, Chris oversees all phases of offshore construction and decommissioning projects, including preliminary planning, cost estimating, bid preparation and evaluation, contract negotiation, and execution. His long-standing tenure reflects a deep understanding of offshore operations and a consistent ability to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Chris is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. His engineering foundation, combined with decades of field and project management experience, allows him to approach each project with a practical, solutions-driven mindset and a commitment to quality and performance.
Jim Bass
Project Manager
Jim Bass brings over 28 years of experience in the offshore construction industry, with extensive involvement in marine installation projects including platforms (shelf and deepwater), pipelines (S-lay and J-lay), and salvage operations.
Prior to joining Paloma in 2004, Jim worked with McDermott in Morgan City, Louisiana, and Heerema Marine Contractors, where he gained hands-on experience across a wide range of offshore construction activities.
Jim is a 1996 graduate of Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. His technical background and field experience allow him to consistently support safe, efficient, and well-executed projects, with a practical, solutions-driven approach.
Mark Yohe
Project Manager
32 years experience. Performs all aspects involved with the budgeting, planning, coordination, and management of projects for the fabrication, installation, maintenance, removal, and transportation of offshore pipelines and platforms for various oil and gas companies.
Chris Mikulenka
Project Manager
20 years experience. Plans, coordinates, and implements projects specifically relating to engineering designs and functions. Experience as construction superintendent responsible for supervising all contractors and activities on site for residential construction projects.
Sammy Suggs
Darrell Ellender
HSE Manager
Amanda Bass
Business Development and Marketing
Amanda Bass is a native Texan, elected trustee for Tomball ISD School Board Position 5, and a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University. With over 20 years of experience in real estate investment, portfolio management, and business development, she brings a strategic, relationship-driven approach to her work. A founding board member of the Tomball ISD Education Foundation, Amanda has served as Vice President of Marketing & Events and President, and remains actively involved today. Her leadership in both philanthropy and marketing has centered on building meaningful relationships, strengthening community partnerships, and driving growth through engagement and trust.
She has also dedicated 18 years to co-chairing “Kiss for a Cure,” a premier fundraising event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Gulf Coast Chapter, where she was honored as a Sierra Award recipient. Amanda brings this same relationship-focused, results-driven approach to her work in the energy industry, where she focuses on building strategic partnerships and supporting long-term project success.
Linda Umberson
Office Manager
Kisha Bruner
Human Resources Manager
Kathryn McKinney
Accounting
Experience That Delivers
Paloma brings experience that counts when it matters most. Through practical problem solving, efficient execution, and cost-conscious solutions, we help keep your projects on track and moving forward with confidence.
Paloma Energy Consultants is an independent consulting firm exclusively focused on delivering project management and inspection services to the midstream and downstream oil and gas industry. We provide responsive, purposeful, and tailored solutions, executed with precision and aligned with our clients’ goals.
Paloma Energy Consultants LP
Tomball, Texas 77377
Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed