ILTA Member Feature: Chester J. Bullard Jr., Howard Energy Partners

Chester J. Bullard Jr. began his career in the terminals industry back in 1998 at Valero Refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas. A few years later while Bullard was still with the company in 2001, Valero purchased Diamond Shamrock, which meant the acquisition of all associated logistics.

“Valero created a logistics group called Valero L.P., and I was fortunate enough to be able to move from the refinery side to the logistics group,” Bullard recalled. “In 2004, Valero L.P. was renamed to NuStar Energy. I was able to work in various roles at NuStar, eventually becoming General Manager over the Central West North Region.”

During that time, Bullard was able to gain valuable experience in both the pipeline and terminal business. Today, as Vice President of Operations and EH&S for Howard Energy Partners, Bullard says his favorite part of the job is his colleagues.

“Getting to work alongside so many talented individuals that make up a great team is what keeps me excited about our industry,” he said.

Bullard notes some of the changes he’s seen in the industry over the years, mainly the most obvious being technology. He notes that because today’s workforce is comfortable with a device in their hand, many are leveraging that skill set and using it to help improve efficiencies.

Bullard also has predictions for the years to come.

“With the ‘Energy Transition,’ we see some great renewable energy opportunities in our business,” Bullard said. “I believe that with a continued population growth and demand, there will be growth in the traditional energy sector, as well as the renewable energy sector.”

For those early on in their careers, Bullard suggests meeting as many people as you can, as networking is the key to knowledge.

“Our industry has so many brilliant and talented people—use those relationships to help grow your individual knowledge,” he said, sharing his thoughts on encouraging young people just entering the workforce to consider a career in the terminals industry. “My current CEO, Mike Howard, uses this statement: ‘We are the energy that powers all other energy in the world.’ It takes the oil and gas industry to help drive all other businesses. What better way to help the human population thrive than being in the industry?”

Bullard recently joined ILTA’s Board of Directors and is eager to be involved with the Board’s efforts.

“Seeing how ILTA helps to advocate and educate both our legislators and our members on industry best practices has been remarkable,” he said. 

Outside of work, Bullard enjoys spending time outdoors, RVing and attending college football games. He also enjoys spending time on the lake with his family, where his kids enjoy wake surfing while Bullard and his wife watch them do their tricks from the boat.