With a distinguished career spanning more than 15 years of expertise in the energy sector, Danielle N. Higman has built a reputation for her problem-solving abilities, especially in commercial and legal matters. Currently serving as the commercial project lead at Equinor since 2022, she is responsible for securing all agreements related to property for offshore wind farm projects. Ms. Higman’s role encompasses negotiating easements and crossing agreements to facilitate cable routes from generation points to grid interconnection sites; developing comprehensive business cases for senior management; engaging with elected officials and community stakeholders; selling tax credits generated by renewable initiatives; and divesting industrial or commercial properties that are no longer advancing. She also edits, drafts and negotiates major contracts that are critical to the success of various projects.
Ms. Higman’s tenure at Equinor ASA began in 2015 as a senior microseismic analyst and petrophysicist, conducting advanced microseismic analysis and interpretation for five years. She transitioned into the role of senior commercial analyst in 2020, leveraging her analytical skills to support the company’s commercial operations. During this period, Ms. Higman achieved one of her most significant professional milestones: negotiating complex crossing agreements with utility infrastructure owners who initially opposed project developments. Through creative solutions that protected Equinor’s interests, she successfully finalized these agreements, ensuring project continuity — a testament to her negotiation acumen and strategic thinking.
Prior to joining Equinor ASA, Ms. Higman served as a geoscience data analyst at ConocoPhillips, where she managed seismic data workflows supporting exploration and production activities. In 2014, she held the position of seismic data manager at Newfield Exploration (now doing business as Ovintiv Inc.), overseeing seismic data integrity and accessibility for multidisciplinary teams. Earlier in her career, Ms. Higman contributed as a seismic data management specialist supporting Chevron Corporation through Resolution Energy Services, and as a seismic data manager supporting Shell through Halliburton. She began her professional journey in 2010 as a geological technician and junior geologist at Core Laboratories, contributing to core sample analysis and geologic reporting that informed reservoir characterization efforts.
Before embarking upon her professional journey, Ms. Higman sought a strong foundation in her education. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in geology, Earth science and general studies from Texas A&M University in 2009. Subsequently, Ms. Higman earned a master’s degree in natural resource and energy law from The University of Oklahoma’s College of Law, graduating at the top of her class in 2009. Additionally, she was licensed to practice real estate in Texas from 2016 to 2024, equipping her to conduct property transactions integral to energy infrastructure projects.
Throughout her career, Ms. Higman has demonstrated a commitment to professional development and industry engagement. She is an active member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the American Association of Professional Landmen, reflecting her dedication to staying abreast of industry trends and best practices. Ms. Higman’s drive for success is fueled by a determination to overcome skepticism and challenge the stereotypes prevalent in male-dominated industries. She credits her resilience to the unwavering support of her family and husband, her positive mindset, and her faith.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Higman is devoted to civic engagement through her support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She has also contributed thought leadership as a guest speaker on podcasts discussing topics related to offshore wind energy.
Outside of work responsibilities, Ms. Higman enjoys crocheting, weaving, spinning yarn and attending Raptor rally events. She envisions impactful years ahead, with ambitions to reach the peak of her career. For Ms. Higman, that means opening a laundromat, an entrepreneurial endeavor she has always dreamed of. Her goal is to start with a single location and scale the business from there. These plans will be supported by the perseverance, adaptability and excellence across multiple domains that Ms. Higman has developed and demonstrated throughout her career within the energy industry.