Spotlight: Precht joins Cameron LNG as newest operator

As a young girl growing up in Sweetlake, La., Kourtney Precht never dreamed that she would one day be playing a key role in a liquefied natural gas terminal, but that’s exactly what she will be doing as an operator for Cameron LNG.

A new operator on the Cameron LNG team, Precht says she joined the company because of its commitment to safety and dedication to its employees.

Precht loves her alligators!

After graduating from Grand Lake High School, Precht enrolled at McNeese State University where she later learned that Sempra Energy was building the Cameron LNG regasification terminal in Hackberry, La., and that the company was starting its hiring process for the construction team.

Precht joined the team at Cameron LNG in February of 2006, as an administrative associate. According to construction site manager Alan Zachary, “Not only does Kourtney have a tremendous work ethic, but she has an insatiable desire to learn about the LNG industry. She’s definitely a team player and does what it takes to get the job done.”

With terminal construction in full gear, Precht realized that she wanted to find a full-time position. She set her sights on becoming an operator, whose duties will include monitoring the ship unloading and transfer operations as well as collecting and analyzing LNG samples to assure all product meets the established gas quality guidelines.

“Thanks to Cameron LNG’s extensive training program, I’m learning about advanced technologies and how we’ll deliver a new source of natural gas to the region,” says Precht. “I also have the benefit of working alongside an experienced team as part of a company that is invested not only in my future, but in the future of southwest Louisiana.”

As part of Cameron LNG’s commitment to safety, Precht and her fellow operators are undergoing intensive technical training on equipment, operations, and maintenance. This will be followed by more training on processes and procedures in the areas of environmental, safety, marine operations, and regulatory compliance. In addition to the 400 hours spent in the company’s formal training program, Precht will also take part in a mentoring program with more experienced operators who will help her continue to build her knowledge of LNG and receipt terminal operations.

Outside work, Precht has a number of interests and activities. For the past four years, she’s worked with her grandmother to raise money for breast cancer research. And, in September, she may be a little hard to reach on the weekends because she’ll be trading in her work boots for hunting gear during alligator season. What started as an annual tradition with her father has turned into an obsession.

Randy Oakley, Cameron LNG plant manager and Kourtney’s supervisor, sums it up best, “Kourtney is a very driven individual who is committed to achieving success — whether it’s operating an LNG terminal or hunting gators in the canal — she sees what she wants and goes after it. We are proud to have her on our team.”