By: Matt Emma
Every career tells a story, but few unfold with the clarity and conviction of Tammy Norman’s. From her small-town roots and dual degrees in accounting, finance, and journalism, Tammy charted a path through some of the energy industry’s influential companies. Along the way, she shaped strategy, built new business lines, and led complex transactions and turnarounds. Yet, what truly defines her is a passion for developing talent and empowering others to grow.
Her journey reflects a steady evolution — and a deep alignment with the values that have guided her throughout: integrity, preparedness, and purpose. Today, as President and COO of Mansfield Power & Gas, she combines operational mastery with a deeply human approach to leadership.
“I recognized early on that my ambitions were leading me in a different direction, so I started seeking new opportunities,” she recalls. “A company that was interviewing me flew me to Houston for the weekend to explore the city, and they made me feel valued even before I accepted the offer. That mattered.”
That small gesture set the tone for a career built on mutual respect, self-assurance, and discernment. Her experience spans natural gas, power, coal, NGLs, and renewables, but what truly sets her apart is her 3-prong guiding philosophy for success:
- You get what you give – entitlement has no place in success: success is earned through effort, respect, and consistency.
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable because success comes from challenging yourself and those around you.
- Don’t be afraid to set unattainable goals because you’ll be surprised how attainable they become when you have a great team working together.
Throughout her career, Tammy learned that actual growth often comes through discourse and challenge. “The people who shape you most are sometimes the ones you don’t want to be like,” she reflects. “They teach you who you don’t want to become — and the deals that go wrong are often the ones that teach you the most.”
This clarity has guided her through every phase of leadership, allowing her to navigate operational complexity while remaining attentive to the people around her. From developing LNG facilities to leading multiple business turnarounds, she has become a respected figure in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
“When I began my career, women in energy or finance were a rarity. I knew I couldn’t rely on the same patterns as everyone else,” she explains.
Her response? Preparation and professionalism. “One early mentor once told me, ‘In the boardroom, nothing matters more than being prepared.’ It remains the best advice I’ve ever received. Preparation and knowledge command respect.” That lesson became both her armor and her advantage.
“Curiosity and courage are also indispensable traits in leadership. Staying curious, asking questions, and continuing to educate yourself is what keeps you relevant,” she explains. This mindset has allowed her to lead confidently while remaining adaptable in a constantly changing environment.
Her tenure at Mansfield Power & Gas (MPG), a subsidiary of Mansfield Energy, a family-owned leader in energy logistics, stands as a testament to her leadership philosophy. “When I joined, the company had cycled through several leaders over five years,” she notes. Recognizing the challenges, Tammy quickly saw the need for greater communication and transparency. “Our strategy lacked clarity, and our processes were not scalable. Getting the team aligned and moving with a sense of urgency was critical,” she explains.
She responded by restructuring the organization into a vertically integrated model, strengthening both its core capabilities and its culture. “I wanted to build a place where people worked hard but also enjoyed what they did. When people love where they work, they perform better — and that’s just good business.”
That vision has paid off: Mansfield Power & Gas was named one of the Houston Chronicle’s 2025 Best Places to Work. This recognition validates Tammy’s strategy and her unwavering commitment to developing talent.
“Listening to our customers is essential, and finding ways to provide excellent service keeps us motivated. We set what we think are audacious goals, and each year, we surprise ourselves. Our motto is ‘Always on it: Find a way, tell it straight, and do it right.’ It’s more than a motto for us; it is who we are at Mansfield Power & Gas. We believe this is our competitive advantage!”
As Tammy prepares for retirement, her vision remains firmly focused on the future. She plans to stay engaged in strategic initiatives and M&A, while also exploring opportunities to add corporate board service to her résumé. True to form, she intends to continue contributing to the industry’s growth and shaping its next chapter.
From her early career navigating biases to becoming a seasoned leader, one principle has remained constant: her belief that how people carry themselves defines everything. “You walk into a company with your reputation, and that’s the only thing you walk out with. It’s pivotal never to let anyone or anything damage that.”
Her career is a testament to perseverance, curiosity, and integrity – a blueprint for success anywhere.
