Beginning his career as an independent Landman in 1981, Jay became Land Manager for Victor R. Gallagher and Gallagher Drilling, Inc., in September 1984. In over 20 years with the Gallagher companies, he was responsible for title work, leasing, curative and assisting in establishing secondary recovery units in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky.
In January 2006, Jay became co-owner and President of Energy Landmen, Inc., a company involved in title work, lease acquisition and right-of-way acquisition for the oil and gas, coal and utility industries. Jay sold his interest in Energy Landmen in July 2013 to assume the position of Land Manager with Pioneer Oil Company, Inc.
He is a member of the American Association of Professional Landmen as well as the Tri-State Association of Professional Landmen. He served as President of TSAPL from 2010-2013 and from 2015-2017 has been a regional director for the AAPL.
In addition, Jay is recognized as a Certified Professional Landman by the AAPL, having earned the highest designation offered in the energy management industry. Jay graduated from Purdue University in 1978 with a BS degree in Management.
He has served as a board member and President of The Public Education Foundation of Evansville, Inc. and is a past board member and President of the City of Evansville, Board of Park Commissioners. Jay has also served on the Finance Committee and Parish Council of St. Theresa Catholic Parish.
Jay enjoys golf, reading and horse racing, and resides in Evansville with his wife, Linda. They have one daughter, Alexandra, who is also a landman.