Matt Sands, NARO National President

I was introduced to oil and gas at a young age when I learned that my grandmother owned minerals in Wyoming inherited from her father who homesteaded land in the late 1800’s.  Little did I know that things would come full circle and I would make a career out of managing these types of oil & gas interests.

I started working in the oil & gas industry in 1999, working for Shell Exploration & Production Company in various engineering, planning, and leadership roles.  In 2015, I founded a company focused on providing consulting, valuation, and advisory services for mineral and royalty owners and investors.  And while it may not be obvious, even though I had worked in the industry up until that point, I still had a lot to learn about the mineral and royalty side of the business.  What started as a personal journey to learn more (and share my knowledge with other mineral and royalty owners) through my podcast and website, turned into a mission to serve other mineral and royalty owners.

I was introduced to NARO in 2019 and I was soon asked to join the Colorado Chapter’s (now the Rocky Mountain Chapter) board of directors.  I’ve been involved with the organization since then and have met some amazing members and volunteers who tirelessly give their time and talent to progress our mission of supporting, advocating for, and educating mineral and royalty owners across the United States.

One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned over the years is that knowledge is power.  While there are a lot of good people who work in the industry, there are also those looking to take advantage of unsuspecting mineral owners.  Only you can arm yourself with the knowledge and resources to make the most of the mineral and royalty interests entrusted to your care.  A NARO membership can make the difference between protecting and maximizing the value of your assets or losing out on significant value or the opportunity to protect your rights.

Check out our webinars, in-person events, and conventions where you can network with other mineral owners and get your questions answered.  Or, take your education to the next level with our Mineral Management Program.  Come see for yourself what we are all about!

Jon Corkern, NARO National Executive Director

Jon earned his degree in Forestry from Louisiana Tech University. He began his career as a Park Naturalist educating visitors of the local fauna & flora of Northwest Louisiana. He often would collaborate as a Park Naturalist with the local Boy Scout Council, which led to him being offered a position with Boy Scouts of America.

Jon spent 16 years with the Boy Scouts of America where he developed a strong background in membership and development. During his tenure with the Boy Scouts, he was honored to receive several career advancements, as well as recognition for membership and development. Though grateful for these recognitions, his most cherished memories while working for the BSA were serving as Summer Camp Director for 6 years and receiving the Vigil Honor Award.

After leaving the Boy Scouts, Jon then began serving as Membership and Development Director for the American Rose Society, where he served two years in this position. Because of his success in this position, he was later promoted to Executive Director of the American Rose Society. While serving as Executive Director, he oversaw the Great Garden Restoration capital campaign which raised over $2 million dollars of capital improvements to the Gardens of the American Rose Center. Jon is also proud of his family. He is married to the beautiful Mrs. Shelly Corkern; they have one son, Andrew Stroud. Jon is very excited to join the NARO team and looks forward to being a part of its prosperous future!