Our Team

Executive Leadership

David L. Clay

Chief Executive Officer & Petroleum Geologist

David boasts a multifaceted background in energy finance, geo-analytics, and petroleum geology, which he uses to cater to the diverse needs of his clients. He blends his Geological subsurface expertise, data analytics, and years of Property Tax experience to offer unmatched services to his clients. David has previously held the roles of Geological Manager and Chief Advisor at Ames Energy Advisors, LLC, where he served mineral clients for over a decade.

Originally from Houston, Clay established roots in San Antonio, where he received his undergraduate degree in Geology and Finance from Trinity University. He later earned a Master’s degree in Energy & Earth Resources at the University of Texas at Austin, with a concentration in Petroleum Geology and Energy Finance.

Garrett Ruple

Chief Operating Officer

Garrett began his career in corporate project management with National Oilwell Varco in Houston, TX managing global drilling rig manufacturing projects. He has since invested in and led multiple oil and gas-related projects, including saltwater disposal, mineral and royalty investment, and industrial construction/development.

Ruple graduated from the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. He owns and manages several entities engaged in oil and gas production, real estate development, and mineral and royalty investment. With a background in real estate/oil and gas, Garrett has seen the need to assist mineral owners in providing fair and accurate Ad Valorem appraisal.

Corwin Ames

Chief Technical Officer and Reservoir Engineer

Corwin has been a technical professional in the upstream E&P industry for the past 15 years. During this time, he has gained valuable experience in numerous engineering disciplines focusing on reservoir engineering and reserve evaluation.

Corwin graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering and has worked for major oil and gas corporations, large independents, and small private companies. He has been a consultant and technical expert in regulatory hearings and litigation. Corwin is active in the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Young Professionals in Energy (YPE), and periodic speaking and mentoring engagements with the Cockrell School of Engineering at UT Austin.

Team Members

Marshall Porterfield

VP of Business Acquisitions & Client Relations

Marshall Porterfield is an experienced energy professional with a strong background in mineral property management, oil and gas investments, and ad valorem tax strategies. He specializes in representing mineral owners in Texas, blending market analysis expertise with a strategic approach to ensure fair and accurate appraisals.

Marshall began his career as a Landman at Dale Operating Company, Inc., advancing to Senior Landman and District Landman, where he managed land acquisitions and lease negotiations across multiple shale plays. He later transitioned to managing mineral assets for BHCH Mineral, Ltd. and OKSA Minerals, LP, focusing on geology, engineering, and market data to structure partnerships and joint ventures.

A graduate of Texas Christian University with a B.B.A. in Finance and an emphasis in Real Estate, Marshall is a former Certified Petroleum Landman and has been an associate member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Zoe Roensch

Director of Operations

Zoe brings a unique blend of business expertise and entrepreneurial experience to her role as Operations Coordinator at CRA Advisors, where she focuses on streamlining processes and driving operational excellence. She earned her B.S. in Integrative Studies from the University of North Texas, concentrating in Business Administration, International Business, and Economics, with a minor in Music.

Her entrepreneurial journey began with founding and operating Confections by Zoe, a bakery business she ran while gaining additional experience in hospitality and event coordination. She worked with the San Antonio Cocktail Conference before further refining her customer service and management skills in the restaurant industry with Clementine and Outlaw Kitchens.

Since joining CRA Advisors in 2022, Zoe has earned her property tax consulting license and plays a key role in optimizing operations and driving company growth. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring San Antonio’s culinary scene and spending time with her family.

Kyle Wilson

Reservoir Engineer

Kyle graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and a minor in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering. Before planting roots in Austin, Texas, he worked as an appraiser for Pritchard and Abbott, Inc., where he focused his appraisals on the Permian Basin. Kyle brings his engineering and Property Tax expertise to CRA to ensure our mineral owners get fair and accurate Ad Valorem appraisals. He is an active Society of Petroleum Engineers member and enjoys hiking, camping & photography in his free time.

Emi Reed

Operations Lead

As our company’s Staff Accountant, Emi brings a strong foundation in financial analysis, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. Holding two undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance along with a masters degree in Accounting from Texas State University, Emi is very organized, precise, intuitive, and works very well under pressure. She is well-versed in various software programming systems and is efficient in all her work in data entry on both an operational and accounting level. Outside of work, Emi enjoys getting lost in a good book and loves hanging out with her dog, Jethro.

Gene L. Ames III

Senior Advisor

Gene is a geologist and fifth-generation Oil and Gas Executive with a multifaceted background as a geologist, producer, and investor. Gene’s 35 years of experience in Oil and Gas investments and business development brings CRA and its clients a wealth of knowledge.