Nooshin Behroyan
Nominated for: 30 Over 30 Award
Title: Founder & CEO
Company: Paxon Energy & Infrastructure
Years in Profession: 13
Nominator: Emerald DeBoer, PR Assistant, Brown + Dutch PR, client of Nooshin.
Tell us why this person deserves recognition for making a difference in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. (500 words max.)*
In the traditionally male-dominated oil and gas industry, one remarkable individual has been relentlessly challenging the status quo and spearheading significant change in the realm of Environment, Health, Safety (EHS), and Sustainability management. Nooshin Behroyan, a true trailblazer, deserves recognition for her unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements that are transforming the industry for the better.
One of the key reasons Nooshin Behroyan deserves recognition is her resolute commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. In an era where climate change has become a pressing global issue, the transition to sustainable and environmentally responsible practices has become imperative. Behroyan understands the magnitude of the challenge and has taken it upon herself to drive change within her industry. Bucking the old boys' club, she has fearlessly advocated for a sustainable future and has made it her mission to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of emissions reduction.
Through her groundbreaking work, Behroyan is not only striving for net zero within her own organization but also actively helping other utilities reach this ambitious goal. She is creating her own methane recapture technology called PaxVac, which will be their journey towards sustainability. By leveraging her expertise and experience, Behroyan has become a catalyst for change, enabling companies to adopt sustainable practices and make a significant impact in their environmental performance.
Behroyan's contributions to the oil and gas industry go beyond her commitment to sustainability. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for other aspiring women. Through her achievements and the example she sets, she is inspiring the next generation of female professionals to pursue careers in EHS and Sustainability management. Her dedication and resilience serve as a testament to the fact that diversity and inclusivity are not only crucial for a thriving workforce but also instrumental in driving meaningful change.
In conclusion, Nooshin Behroyan is a true force of nature in the oil and gas industry, challenging long-standing norms and driving significant change in EHS and Sustainability management. Her unwavering commitment to achieving net zero, coupled with her creation of PaxVac to assist others in their sustainability journey, demonstrates her extraordinary leadership and impact. Behroyan's advocacy, collaboration, and pioneering spirit have not only transformed her own organization but have also inspired a broader cultural shift within the industry. For her remarkable achievements and her role in shaping the future of EHS and Sustainability management, Nooshin Behroyan undoubtedly deserves recognition and admiration.
Describe a situation or initiative where the nominee was directly responsible for a significant achievement and/or advancement in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. Include metrics and KPIs if available. (500 words max.)*
Nooshin Behroyan, alongside her innovative company Paxon, has taken bold strides in the realm of EHS and Sustainability management by directly addressing one of the most critical environmental challenges: methane emissions. Through groundbreaking initiatives and the development of cutting-edge technologies, Behroyan has achieved significant advancements in methane emissions reduction, making a tangible impact on both the industry and the environment.
Since 2018, Paxon has been at the forefront of controlled gas recovery to prevent the release of methane (CH4) into the atmosphere during natural gas pipeline maintenance projects. Leveraging their innovative Zero Emissions recompression technologies, Paxon has helped recover a staggering 16 million standard cubic feet of methane. This achievement is a remarkable milestone, as it represents a massive reduction in methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.
By eliminating and/or reducing methane emissions at such a large scale, Paxon and its clients have made a direct and tangible impact on the people, communities, and the environment. Methane emissions reduction is widely recognized as a crucial step in addressing climate change, with experts acknowledging the immediate benefits it can bring. In recognition of this, policy makers, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have proposed regulations targeting hundreds of thousands of existing methane emission sources in the pipeline industry.Paxon's R&D department, under the guidance of Nooshin Behroyan, has been at the forefront of this transformative work.
The impact of Paxon's methane emissions reduction initiatives goes beyond mere numbers. By preventing the release of methane, Paxon is actively contributing to the mitigation of climate change and the protection of vulnerable ecosystems. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a significantly higher warming potential than carbon dioxide over a shorter time frame. Through their innovative technologies, Paxon is playing a vital role in mitigating the harmful effects of methane emissions, making a tangible and positive difference for the environment.
In your opinion, what are the predominant skills and attributes that directly contribute to the nominee’s effectiveness and success? (500 words max.)*
Nooshin Behroyan possesses a remarkable set of skills and attributes that directly contribute to her effectiveness and success. In particular, her exceptional networking abilities, go-getter attitude, fearlessness, and willingness to challenge industry standards make her an outstanding professional who constantly strives for improvement and innovation.
One of Nooshin's key strengths is her exceptional networking skills. She possesses an innate ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and build strong, lasting relationships. Nooshin understands the power of a strong network and actively cultivates connections with individuals across various industries. Her expansive network not only allows her to gain valuable insights and knowledge but also creates countless opportunities for collaboration and growth. By leveraging her network effectively, Nooshin is able to access resources, establish partnerships, and create synergies that drive her success.
Nooshin Behroyan is the epitome of a go-getter. During her tenure at PG&E as a consultant, she quickly identified areas for improvement and saw untapped potential waiting to be harnessed. Rather than settling for the status quo, Nooshin showed her fearlesseness and decided to create her own company. This leap of faith paid off tremendously, as her company soared to become the 9th fastest growing company in America. Nooshin's unwavering determination, coupled with her keen eye for opportunities, allowed her to transcend boundaries and carve out a path of remarkable success.
Moreover, Nooshin has a strong inclination to challenge industry standards and drive positive change. Her career hit a turning point at PG&E after she questioned some California Utility executives: “Do we know how much methane is being emitted into the atmosphere as a result of our operations?” For her, this was a basic question; she was curious how they were measuring pipeline leakage and how much methane was escaping when they were conducting projects or performing maintenance work. They didn't know the answer or seem to understand why they should be concerned. She replied, “if you don’t have this answer today, one day you’ll have to answer to the EPA.” Their response- put it in a deck,” and this became her signature project and Paxon Energy was born.
In summary, Nooshin Behroyan's effectiveness and success can be attributed to her exceptional networking skills, go-getter attitude, fearlessness, and her drive to challenge industry standards. Her ability to forge valuable connections, coupled with her proactive and determined approach, enables her to seize opportunities and drive growth. Nooshin's fearlessness and willingness to embrace challenges position her as a trailblazer, while her inclination to challenge industry standards fosters innovation and positive change.
Share the ways this nominee has positively influenced you, both personally and professionally. You may also include reflections and quotes from others including executives, direct reports, colleagues, suppliers, and clients. (500 words max.)*
Nooshin Behroyan's remarkable journey as a woman CEO under 40 and her outstanding achievements in building a multimillion-dollar company have been a tremendous source of inspiration for me, both personally and professionally. Her entrepreneurial spirit, networking prowess, and commitment to mentorship have left a lasting impact, shaping my own aspirations and approach to success.
As a woman CEO, Behroyan has shattered barriers and proven that age and gender are not limitations when it comes to achieving remarkable success. Her ability to build a multimillion-dollar company in just a few years is a testament to her exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and relentless determination. Witnessing her accomplishments has instilled in me a sense of empowerment, reminding me that anything is possible with passion and hard work.
One of Behroyan's greatest strengths lies in her networking skills and ability to leverage her connections effectively. She has taken advantage of her relationships with prominent figures in the oil industry, Blake Blasewell, Lee Shouse and Lloyd Pirtle, turning them into executives who contribute to the growth of her business. This approach highlights her astute business acumen and demonstrates how building strong alliances can lead to exponential growth and success. She also has vast connections to other powerful figures such as Johnatahan Cohen, the US Ambassador for Egypt, who connected her with executives in Egypt to discuss their utilities and plans for the future regarding being more sustainable. Behroyan's ability to harness the power of networking has shown me the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and utilizing them strategically to propel one's career and business forward.
Additionally, Behroyan has maximized the opportunities provided by her status as a woman-owned business through supplier diversity initiatives. By capitalizing on these opportunities, she has opened doors and gained a competitive advantage in the industry. Her ability to navigate and excel in a complex business landscape has taught me the importance of recognizing and leveraging one's unique strengths and opportunities to achieve significant growth and success.
Beyond her accomplishments in the corporate world, Behroyan actively engages in mentorship, particularly through her involvement with the PLASMA program at UC Davis. By mentoring up-and-coming engineers, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future generation of professionals and empowering them to reach their full potential. This commitment to mentorship showcases her dedication to giving back to the community and fostering growth and development in others. Witnessing her impact as a mentor has motivated me to seek opportunities to uplift and support aspiring professionals in my own field.
Provide one or more examples of nominee’s commitment to environmental stewardship within their organization and/or the community. (500 words max.)*
Nooshin Behroyan's commitment to environmental stewardship is exemplified through her visionary plan to create PaxVac, a methane recapture system. This innovative solution is poised to make a significant impact in aiding important utility companies in their sustainability journey and achieving net-zero emissions.Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a major contributor to climate change. Recognizing the urgency of mitigating methane emissions, Behroyan has dedicated her efforts to developing PaxVac as a means of recapturing and reducing methane released during natural gas pipeline maintenance projects.
Behroyan's commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond the development of PaxVac. Her vision is centered around enabling utility companies to transition to sustainable practices and achieve net-zero emissions. This holistic approach is reflective of her understanding that true environmental stewardship requires a comprehensive and systemic approach to address all aspects of operations.
Through PaxVac, Behroyan aims to empower utility companies by providing them with the necessary tools and support to adopt sustainable practices. By leveraging her expertise and industry connections, she seeks to create a network of collaborators, working together to achieve shared sustainability goals. This collaborative approach fosters knowledge sharing, innovation, and collective action, amplifying the impact of environmental stewardship efforts. Paxvac will be new and improved methane recapture system with features that include it to be mountable, featuring a push-to-start mechanism, and has a compact size with a volume less than 80 pounds. Additionally, it operates at a temperature below 140° F, ensuring safe and efficient operation.