About Us
New Dawn Energy, LLC (NDE), is a privately owned, Texas based, Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company formed in April 2015.
New Dawn Energy, LLC is a collaboration between:
- SCC Soft Computer, Inc.
Located at 5400 Tech Data Drive, Clearwater, FL 33760 - Mines Power, LLC,
Located at 1011 Highway 6 S, Ste. 240. Houston, TX 77077
New Dawn Energy was formed to acquire and develop oil and gas operated and non-operated assets in major basins in the US. The initial efforts of the company were focused on the acquisition of non-operated oil and gas assets. However we have now reached our goal and are actively pursuing good operated as well as non-operated projects.
The company is managed by: Mr. Ehsan Bayat, Executive Vice President, and Dr. Ghasem Bayat, Chief Executive Officer.
Meet the directors.
Dr. Ghasem Bayat
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Ghasem Bayat is the Chief Executive Officer at New Dawn Energy. He brings 40+ years of diverse oil and gas exploration and production experience with major E&P companies. Dr. Bayat holds B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Petroleum Engineering and has worked in many oil and gas regions around the world including the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Alaska, the North Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Middle East and South America since 1971. His expertise in production operations, engineering support to exploration, reservoir and production engineering and technical and economic evaluation of oil and gas properties has been very beneficial to New Dawn’s success. Dr. Bayat brings world-class technical specialization in oil and gas field development, well completion, artificial lift design and optimization, reservoir evaluation, and the management of water flood and other improved recovery processes.
Mr. Ehsan Bayat
Founder & Executive Vice President
Ehsan Bayat is an experienced energy executive specializing in business development, acquisitions, and asset management. With well over 20 years in the oil and gas industry, he has led project evaluations, data-driven decision-making, and strategic acquisitions totaling well over $400 million. His expertise includes production optimization, reservoir analysis, regulatory compliance, and joint venture development.
Currently serving as Executive Vice President at New Dawn Energy, Ehsan also holds leadership roles in Mines Group, and Diamond Reclamation. He is a recognized industry leader, honored in Hart Energy’s 40 Under 40 and actively involved in advisory boards at the University of Houston and Rice University. He also serves on the board of Child Builders, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote mental health and prevent abuse by empowering children, parents, and teachers with assertiveness skills, emotional control, empathy, resilience, and the ability to resolve conflict non-violently.
Meet the team.
Eric Urban
Vice President of Land
Mr. Urban’s experience spans over 23 years of field operations, drilling and production, land management and business development roles for independent corporations and publicly traded companies. Eric is a graduate of the University of Houston with a BBA in international business. He is a Certified Petroleum Landman (CPL) and is a member of the Houston Association of Petroleum Landmen ( HAPL) and Louisiana Association of Petroleum Landmen (LAPL).
David V. De Marco
Project Director
David V. De Marco is Project Director for New Dawn Low Carbon Ventures and Director of Special Projects for New Dawn Energy. With over 34 years of industry experience, he has held executive leadership roles, including CEO and Chairman of a publicly traded company. A Certified Professional Landman, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Petroleum Land Management and a degree in Economics with a minor in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Melinda Roe
Land Administrator
Melinda is a Land Administrator with a strong background in managing land records, overseeing property transactions, and ensuring compliance with state regulators. She efficiently coordinates land documentation, leases, and acquisitions, while also providing support to the VP of Land. She is dedicated to ensuring the integrity and efficiency of land-related operations.
Judy Vong
Land Technician
Judy Vong is a detail-oriented Land Technician with extensive experience in mineral rights, ownership distribution, and land-related transactions. She specializes in title documentation, division orders, and regulatory compliance. Judy is skilled in analyzing property records, and resolving complex title issues, playing a key role in supporting accurate and efficient land and lease processes.
Cliff Walden
GIS Specialist
Cliff Walden is a highly skilled GIS Specialist with 25 years of industry experience supporting strategic decision-making across public and private sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography, specializing in Geographic Information Science, he possesses a deep understanding of spatial data management, geospatial analysis, and cartographic visualization. His expertise in turning complex spatial data into actionable insights helps streamline workflows and improve resource planning.
Sally Ebrahimzadeh
Senior Reservoir Engineer
Sally Ebrahimzadeh is a Senior Reservoir Engineer at New Dawn Energy, specializing in reservoir performance optimization and asset acquisition and divestiture with expertise in production forecasting, field development planning, and asset evaluation.
Before joining New Dawn Energy, Sally spent 9 years at Triple Five Energy, where she honed her expertise in reservoir management and asset development.
Beyond her professional role, Sally is an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). She has also served as a board member on multiple SPE committees, contributing to industry advancement, knowledge sharing, and professional development initiatives.
Mina Rezazadeh
Reservoir Engineer
Mina Rezazadeh is an experienced Reservoir Engineer with over 15 years of expertise in optimizing reservoir performance, enhancing production, and supporting reservoir management strategies within the oil and gas industry. With a robust background in reservoir engineering principles, simulation, and data analytics, specialized in reservoir characterization, production forecasting.
Mina has demonstrated success in working with multidisciplinary teams to deliver efficient reservoir management solutions, identifying and implementing cutting-edge technologies to maximize resource recovery. Skilled in reservoir simulation software, including Eclipse, Petrel, and CMG, providing crucial input on reservoir modeling, field development strategies, and long-term production optimization. With a proven track record of identifying opportunities for cost-effective solutions.
Known for her attention to detail, strong communication skills, and ability to work effectively under pressure, Mina brings a collaborative and results-driven approach to every project. Also, she always remains committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest industry trends and innovations in reservoir engineering.
David Brandl
Senior Drilling Engineer
David Brandl is a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer with over 15 years of expertise in well planning, execution, and optimization. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering, he has a strong technical foundation in drilling operations, well design, and performance enhancement.
Throughout his career, David has successfully led drilling projects across various geological formations, ensuring operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to industry safety and environmental standards. His proficiency in well engineering, project management, and advanced drilling technologies makes him a valuable asset in maximizing well performance and mitigating operational risks.
Richard Keogh
Senior Geologist
Richard Keogh is a highly experienced petroleum geologist with a distinguished career spanning several decades in the oil and gas industry. Since earning his Master of Science degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, he has worked extensively across Texas and Louisiana, contributing his expertise to exploration and development projects in some of the most prolific hydrocarbon basins.
Richard began his career with Texaco in 1978 and has since held key geological roles at both major and mid-sized energy companies, including Williams Exploration, Champlin/Union Pacific, Columbia Gas, Vastar, Plains Exploration, and Freeport McMoRan. His deep technical knowledge, strategic insights, and hands-on experience in hydrocarbon exploration, reservoir evaluation, and geological modeling have been instrumental in driving successful exploration and production initiatives.
With a proven track record of delivering valuable geological assessments and optimizing resource development strategies, Richard remains a trusted consultant and leader in the field, providing expertise that enhances operational efficiency and decision-making in the ever-evolving energy sector.
Dr. Rahila Ramazanova
Senior Geologist
Rahila Ramazanova has 13 years of industry experience in various oil fields of USA covering all phases of petroleum exploration, development, production and well planning and execution. As a senior geologist at New Dawn Energy for over three years, she focuses on geological evaluation and prospecting of assets in Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico.
Before joining New Dawn Energy, Rahila spent over nine years at BP America Petroleum. Her roles included working as a conventional development and production geologist in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, specifically on the Atlantis and Thunderhorse fields. She also has worked as an operation geologist in the Arkoma field, Oklahoma, and as an exploration geologist in the Greater Green River Basin, Wyoming.
Additionally, Rahila has worked as a petrologist and lithologist in her early career in Azerbaijan.
Dr. Arta Sadrzadeh
Chief Geophysicist
Dr. Sadrzadeh is a geophysicist by training with expertise in processing and interpretation of seismic data in search of oil and gas prospects, with 12+ years of experience in the industry. Education in computational materials science (nano-sciences) and theoretical high energy physics. As an interpreter, led the efforts in 2D/3D seismic interpretation with well control for targets in Yegua, Wilcox, Cotton Valley, and Frio Sand, as well as Austin and Saratoga chalk in west Louisiana, USA. Also identified prospects using 3D seismic in Louisiana Parishes: Calcasieu (Yegua and Hackberry), Beauregard (Cockfield), and Allen (Frio). Before joining New Dawn Energy, Arta worked for 4+ years at CGG (now Viridien), processing 3D off-shore seismic data, including pre-processing, velocity model building, migration and post-migration processing. The work at CGG also included sometimes complex salt body interpretation for good sub-salt imaging.
Jeff Rubio
Geologist
Jeff Rubio is a seasoned geologist at New Dawn Energy with over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Originally from South Texas, he pursued his passion for geology at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology.
Since beginning his career in Houston, Texas, Jeff has worked extensively with both operators and mineral-owning companies. His expertise spans operations, exploration, and acquisitions across multiple key regions, including the northeastern Niobrara Basin in Nebraska, northwestern Louisiana, the Gulf Coast, eastern Texas, West Texas, and parts of New Mexico. His deep understanding of these basins and proven track record in project development make him a valuable asset in the industry.
Camille Pierce
Geologist
Camille Pierce is originally from Mandeville, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology from University of California, Los Angeles and a Professional Master’s Degree in Energy Geoscience from Rice University. Camille has experience on carbon storage projects, oil and gas exploration in Western Louisiana, and science communication displays. She enjoys the outdoors by co-leading geology field trips to the Texas Gulf Coast and volunteering at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. She began at New Dawn Energy as a Geology Intern in 2023 and has been part of the Geology & Geophysics team since 2024.
Mona Bayat
Accounting Manager
Mona Bayat is the Accounting Manager at New Dawn Energy, bringing five years of expertise in financial management, reporting, and strategic planning. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. With a strong background in financial analysis, budgeting, and compliance, Mona ensures accurate reporting and efficient financial operations. Her detail-oriented approach and problem-solving skills support New Dawn Energy financial health and growth.
Nina Reyes
Senior Accountant
A seasoned accounting professional with 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Nina Reyes specializes in Joint Interest Billing (JIB) and Accounts Payable (AP) as a Senior Accountant at New Dawn Energy. Her extensive background in financial management and industry-specific accounting principles ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all financial operations.
Nina holds a degree in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University, providing her with strong analytical and interpersonal skills that enhance her ability to manage complex financial data and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
Candice Sarant
Senior Accountant
Candice Sarant is a skilled Senior Accountant with over 10 years of experience in accounting, including three years in the oil and gas industry, providing critical support to Joint Interest Billing (JIB), revenue accounting, accounts payable (AP), and general ledger (GL) functions. Adept at managing complex financial transactions, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and optimizing accounting processes to enhance operational efficiency. Possesses a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy in financial reporting. Experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive financial integrity and support strategic decision-making within dynamic corporate environments.
Carolyn Wachel
Revenue Accountant
Carolyn Wachel is a seasoned Accountant at New Dawn Energy, bringing over 25 years of expertise in accounting and contract management. With a strong specialization in revenue accounting, she plays a key role in ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. Leveraging her extensive experience, Carolyn meticulously records and processes revenue transactions, contributing to the organization’s financial integrity and operational efficiency. Her attention to detail and deep understanding of accounting principles make her an invaluable asset to the company.
Kimberly Hernandez
Receptionist & Executive Assistant
Kimberly Hernandez is a highly organized and detail-oriented Receptionist and Executive Assistant with an associate degree in Sociology. She is dedicated to facilitating seamless office operations through effective communication, meticulous organization, and exceptional administrative support.
With a strong ability to multitask and a proactive approach to problem-solving, Kimberly excels in managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence to ensure efficiency at all levels of an organization. Her commitment to professionalism and customer service allows her to provide a welcoming and productive environment.
