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 and Wichita Association of Professional Landmen. He served as President of TSAPL from 2010-2013 and again in 2019 and has served as a Regional Director of AAPL. Recognized by the Illinois Oil & Gas Association as the 2022 Petroleum Professional of the Year.
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.
