Lori Merritt Blong is a proud Permian Basin native, a dedicated public servant, and the Mayor of Midland, Texas. She is also the Co-Founder and Partner of Octane Energy, where she has built a reputation for strong leadership, fiscal discipline, and innovative problem-solving in the oil and gas industry.
Lori’s public service journey began in 2019, when she was elected to the Midland City Council to represent District 4. During her time on the City Council, she prioritized smart economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and ensuring Midland remained a great place for families and businesses. In 2022, she was elected as Mayor of Midland, becoming the first female mayor in the city’s history.
Before entering public office, Lori began her career as a high school teacher in El Paso, Texas, where she developed a deep passion for service and community development. In 2013, she and her husband, Jared, co-founded Octane Energy, an oilfield service company that provided project management and operational oversight for more than 600 wells annually across the Permian Basin and Oklahoma. In 2017 and 2018, Inc. Magazine recognized Octane as one of the Top 5 Fastest-Growing private energy companies in Texas. In 2020, she guided Octane’s transition into exploration and production (E&P), successfully acquiring and developing producing assets in Ector County while continuing to invest in and provide technical expertise for projects across the Permian Basin.
Lori’s public service and leadership also include serving on:
1. The Board of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, advocating for responsible energy development.
2. The Board of the Fasken Foundation, working to support underserved children and families in and around the Permian Basin.
3. Congressman Pfluger’s Energy Task Force, advising on policy and industry challenges at the federal level.
As Mayor, Lori is committed to ensuring Midland’s long-term success, with a focus on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment, public safety, and strategic economic growth. She is passionate about creating a business-friendly environment that strengthens local industries, improves quality of life, and positions Midland as a leader in Texas and beyond.
Lori and her husband, Jared, are proud to call Midland home, where they are raising their three children and remain deeply invested in the community they serve.