Leadership TEAM
Danny Cook
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
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Mr. Danny Cook was appointed CEO of CEC Energy in March 2025, continuing a proud family tradition as the third generation to lead the company. With more than 25 years of construction and business management experience, including over a decade of executive experience at CEC—including roles as President and Chief Commercial Officer—Mr. Cook brings deep industry knowledge and a clear vision for the company’s future.
Since joining CEC in 2012, he has spearheaded the strategic evolution of the company’s services, aligned operations with long-term industry trends, and built high-performing teams committed to innovation and operational excellence. In 2022, he led CEC’s equity partnership with LCG Holdings, further strengthening the company’s strategic position.
Under Mr. Cook’s leadership, CEC has expanded into new markets, delivered increasingly complex infrastructure projects—with individual initiatives exceeding $40 million— significantly enhancing its operational capabilities and market presence.
Before joining CEC, Mr. Cook advanced through a series of leadership roles at leading energy firms and/or their subsidiaries including OPI International, Superior Energy Services, Helix Energy Solutions, and Horizon Offshore (Cal Dive). His project experience spans the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. East Coast, Latin America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia.
He holds a B.S. in Construction Engineering Technology from Texas State University and remains dedicated to CEC’s mission: “Empowering People to Power Communities.”
John Sanchez
Chief Human Resources Officer
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Mr. Sanchez joined CEC in 2012 after spending 20 years with the Texas Department of Transportation. John currently oversees Human Resources, Recruiting, IT, Purchasing and Asset Operations for the companies of CEC Energy Services. Mr. Sanchez adds over 29 years of combined experience in accounts payable and receivable, general accounting operations, safety operations, purchasing, warehousing, information systems, and human resources. He has previously held titles of director of administration, business operations manager, purchasing materials administrator, human resources manager, chief accountant and warehouse supervisor. Mr. Sanchez has a Bachelor of Behavioral Science Degree from Hardin-Simmons University and is designated a Certified Senior Professional from the Society of Human Resources Management.
Hanah Watkins
Chief Financial Officer
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Hanah Watkins joined CEC in 2017 while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She has worked her way through the company’s ranks holding the positions of accountant, assistant controller, and controller. Mrs. Watkins briefly took a career-advancing position at Cheniere Energy before rejoining CEC in her previous role as Manager of Finance, and is now the Chief Financial Officer. Mrs. Watkins oversees our day-to-day operations for accounting and finance, managing a department consisting of accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, cost analysis, and financial accounting. She also plays an integral part in maintaining our external financial relationships and regulatory compliance. Mrs. Watkins is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with degrees in Business Administration and Master of Accountancy.
Luke Barrera
VP of Capital Projects
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Mr. Luke Barrera joined CEC Energy in early 2023 as Regional Operations Manager for South Texas and Houston. Luke’s portfolio of professional electrical work spans multiple markets and includes hands-on multi-disciplined services within the electrical construction industry. In his role at CEC Energy, Luke oversees the project teams and field crews responsible for delivering projects with value-added services in conformance with our STRIVE© values. As a master electrician licensed in multiple states combined with over 30 years of experience, Luke is an instrumental member of the management team and plays a crucial role in the company’s strategic growth and service line expansion initiatives.
Prior to joining CEC Energy, Mr. Barrera held positions of increasing responsibility with Rabalais I&E Constructors serving the Midcon, Gulf Coast, Permian, and Rocky Mountain regions.
Max O’Neill
Senior Vice President
Commercial
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Mr. O’Neill joined CEC in 2021 as the Regional Operations Manager for South Texas and The Gulf Coast. During his 40-year-plus career, Max has served in the oil and gas, mining and energy industries. Major projects have included refineries, chemical plants, mining facilities, drill ships, drill rigs, topside platform construction, offshore hookups, oil production facilities, piperack modules, process modules and power plants. In addition, he has performed capital project annuity work. Prior to joining CEC, Mr. O’Neill served as the Vice President of Electrical Operations for Bay Ltd. where he spent the last 29 years in the industrial EPC industry executing projects both domestically and globally. Max is a licensed Master Electrician in the States of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Brian Cobb
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Yancey Willis
HSE Manager
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As HSE Manager, Yancey is responsible for overseeing and enhancing our safety protocols, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards across all our operations. Yancey’s leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of safety and well-being within our company.
Yancey comes to us with over 21 years of experience with Oil & Gas upstream sites, Transmission, Solar and Battery Storage Construction projects, and his skills greatly contribute to our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and secure work environment for CEC.
Prior to joining CEC, Yancey held safety positions with MYR, Cupertino, MBI Energy Services and various private contractors throughout the states. He held the position of Regional Safety Manager, Safety Engineer, Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator and more before joining the CEC team.
Yancey is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Authorized Trainer for OSHA ET&D, Construction and General Industry courses. He has an M.S. in Environmental Science Degrees from the University of Idaho.
