Derrick May

Driving responsible growth in oil and natural gas through disciplined acquisitions, strategic development, and long term partnerships built on trust and performance.
22+

Years of Leadership

President & CEO

Optimum Energy Partners LLC

Optimum Energy Partners LLC

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Optimum Energy Partners is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, development, exploration and production of oil and natural gas properties.

Our value RIDER and promise to our clients…

  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Dedication
  • Excellence
  • Responsibility

About

Steady leadership.
Clear direction.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Optimum Energy Partners LLC, I take a steady, hands on approach to leadership. I believe that companies are only as good as the people behind them. I focus on clarity and consistency, thereby creating an environment where teams know what’s expected, have the tools they need to succeed, and can do their best work. Growth should be measured not just in results, but in the strength of the foundation underneath them.

My professional background spans over 22 years and counting. I have dabbled in private equity, investment banking, and corporate management, all of which has given me a broad perspective on operations, finance, and sustainable value creation. I have also developed a lasting interest in alternative investments and portfolio diversification, which continues to influence how I think about opportunity and risk in today’s energy landscape.

Outside of my work, I’m a proud father to two daughters. Spending time with them keeps me grounded and reminds me of what matters most. I also enjoy playing tennis, hockey, and softball, sports that reflect my approach to leadership: collaborative, and built on teamwork.

Expertise

Leadership in
Practice

Built through hands-on experience in oil and natural gas, with a steady focus on sound execution, responsible growth, and long term value.

Strategic Leadership

01

Strategic Leadership

Derrick May brings clear, long-term thinking to energy investments, aligning strategy, capital, and execution to create durable value.

Operational Excellence

02

Operational Excellence

A hands-on operator, Derrick focuses on efficiency, ensuring assets run reliably, safely, and profitably across changing market conditions.

Energy Sector Expertise

03

Energy Sector Expertise

With experience in oil and natural gas, Derrick combines technical insight and market awareness to identify opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.

Team Development

04

Team Development

Derrick builds accountable, high-performing teams by fostering ownership and continuous learning, driving both individual growth and organizational success.

Risk Management

05

Risk Management

Through disciplined frameworks and careful analysis, Derrick manages risk proactively, protecting capital while enabling steady growth in dynamic markets.

Growth Strategy

06

Growth Strategy

Derrick pursues disciplined growth by identifying high-value opportunities and scaling strategically, balancing expansion with stability.

Partners

Driving transformation in energy

  • Optimum Energy Partners LLC

    At Optimum Energy Partners LLC, we deal with the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil and natural gas properties. Our commitment to our clients is to create value in a responsible manner. Our focus on integrating sustainable business practices and achieving long-term results drives our operations and builds reliable and beneficial partnerships/relationships.

  • Invest In Energy

    Invest In Energy is an educational platform designed to help individuals understand oil and gas investments. It offers insights into market dynamics, investment processes, timelines, and risks, empowering investors with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in an evolving energy landscape.

  • Optimum Energy Partners Blogs

    The Optimum Energy Partners Blog serves as a thought leadership hub, featuring expert perspectives on energy investing, market trends, and industry fundamentals. It is an amalgamation of Optimum Energy Partners and Invest In Energy, offering practical guidance, analysis, and education for both new and experienced investors.

Insights

Latest
perspectives

Thoughts on industry trends, investment strategies, and the evolving landscape of energy.

How Smart Capital Is Reshaping Oil and Gas: A Focus on Derrick May’s Approach
 March 11, 2026
How Smart Capital Is Reshaping Oil and Gas: A Focus on Derrick May’s Approach
The oil and gas industry is evolving beyond traditional growth models toward a more disciplined, technology-driven approach. Here, we examine […]
Read Article
IDC: Intangible Drilling Costs in the Oil and Gas Industry
 February 27, 2026
IDC: Intangible Drilling Costs in the Oil and Gas Industry
Intangible Drilling Costs, often called IDCs, are very important when it comes to funding oil and gas projects. They play […]
Read Article
High Stakes Leadership Habits That Work in Any Business
 February 20, 2026
High Stakes Leadership Habits That Work in Any Business
When volatility is normal and pressure is constant, energy sector leadership reveals the habits that help entrepreneurs build trust, adapt […]
Read Article

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