Nick Fornicola
Director of Data & AI Platforms @ Evolution Well Services
About
I lead a 30-person Data & AI Platforms organization serving as a shared service across four business units at BEUSA Energy, spanning Data Governance, Data Engineering, AI/ML, Applications Engineering, and Digital Operations. Over the past several years, I've built the enterprise data platform from the ground up: 100% Unity Catalog on Azure Databricks, real-time IoT streaming from field operations, medallion data products, and a production GenAI products deployed organization-wide. That work has delivered tangible business value and resulted in a granted patent. My focus is on the hard problems at the intersection of data platform engineering and organizational change: getting data trusted, getting AI deployed beyond proof of concept, and building the governance and ownership models that make both sustainable. I write occasionally about engineering tradeoffs, platform architecture, and what actually works in production, not just in demos.
United States
Howard
Oil & Energy
Master Data Management, Team Building, Team Leadership, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Emerging Technologies, Stakeholder Management, Technical Leadership, Microsoft Azure, Azure Databricks, Databricks Products, Data Engineering, Machine Learning, Enterprise Data Warehouses (EDW), Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Data Management, Compass, Casing Seat, StressCheck
Experience

Director of Data & AI Platforms
-Established and lead a shared services Data & AI Platforms function from scratch across four operating companies — defining the operating model, organizational structure, and technical strategy for a 30-person multidisciplinary organization -Set enterprise data and AI platform strategy on Azure Databricks, driving adoption from fragmented point solutions to a unified, governed lakehouse: 100% Unity Catalog, real-time IoT streaming, medallion architecture, and production ML -Drove GenAI from concept to production across the enterprise, establishing evaluation frameworks, agent development capability, and MCP integrations where none previously existed -Owns sole strategic and delivery accountability for an MDM initiative across eight data entities, establishing master data foundation to support a major strategic business initiative -Designed cross-organizational data exchange architecture via Delta Sharing, enabling external partner data products -Sustained 0% voluntary attrition across a 30-person organization over two years while scaling scope and complexity -Granted patent holder stemming from platform engineering innovation

Data Technology Manager
-Led a small data and applications team focused on operational analytics and technology for Evolution Well Services -Delivered operational efficiency initiatives through data-driven maintenance optimization and business intelligence capabilities -Built foundational data and analytics capability that served as the basis for the expanded platform organization

Field Test Engineer
New Holland, PA
-Field test prototype crop harvesting equipment domestically and internationally -Validate electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and software systems in shop and field settings -Validate systems for compliance with European regulations -Coordinate and execute machine logistics in the field -Develop and execute test matrices for prototype crop harvesting equipment

Drilling Engineer / Drill Site Manager
Gulf of Mexico / Midland, TX
• Developed and implemented procedures to optimize subsea BOP testing procedures saving approximately $250,000 per BOP test. • Developed and implemented criteria to inspect VGX-2 gaskets for the viability of re-use on the surface saving $10,000 per BOP deployment. • Executed and managed all maintenance and upgrades on multiplex Blow Out Prevention Equipment (BOPE) on 5th and 6th Generation deep-water drillships on Cameron, GE, and NOV BOP stacks. • Tracked and evaluated BOPE KPIs to improve operations and enhance BOP performance. • Reviewed and ensured the accuracy of all drawings and procedures submitted with the drilling permit to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). • Designed and implemented detailed rig specific procedures for surface and subsea verification of Deadman, Autoshear, and EDS systems. • Ensured all BOPE maintenance and testing was conducted per requirements outlined by Chevron, the drilling contractor, BSEE/CFR 250, and API RP 53. • Optimized land batch drilling operations and associated rig move times, saving the company approximately $215,000 per six well pad. • Developed a ‘connection protocol’ for drillers to use while making connections, saving approximately $2,000 per well. • Managed day to day operations on multiple drilling rigs maintaining focus on delivering wells safely and on time. • Actively participated in the design of drilling programs for exploratory drilling campaigns in West Texas. • Oversaw and instructed contractors ensuring compliance with HES policies and SOPs / RPs during all stages of well construction. • Compared original AFE to actual costs and implemented cost reduction strategies. • Submitted daily WellView reports to the Drilling Superintendent in a timely manner ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Completions Engineering Intern
Williamsport, PA / Denver, CO
• Designed plug and perf hydraulic fracturing treatments for tight gas wells in the Marcellus and Uintah Basins. • Implemented a new suite of coiled tubing chemicals saving $15,000 per clean-out. • Worked with Completions Foreman and Completions Superintendent coordinate and manage TCP, coiled tubing, plug and perf, and snubbing operations in the Marcellus Shale. • Executed plug and perf hydraulic fracturing jobs in the Uintah and Appalachian Basins and performed post-job evaluations on each stage completed to identify areas of improvement.

Field Enginner
Carmichaels, PA
•Built and ran perforating guns used in horizontal shale gas well completions. •Ran a suite of open hole logging tools including triple/quad combos and seismic evaluation tools. •Coordinated crew schedules and crew call-outs for open hole logging jobs.
Nick Fornicola's Contact Information
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