Monica Monica Cortez Johnson

About Monica Monica Cortez Johnson

I am a seasoned pipeline operations and control room leader with 20+ years of experience spanning refinery process operations, chemical production, and large-scale pipeline system control. My career journey has taken me from the field to the control center, giving me a unique perspective on both frontline process operations and executive-level compliance and management.Over the years, I have advanced from process technician to senior control room management, leading natural gas, crude, LPG/NGL, and dense-phase CO₂ pipeline systems. I specialize in: • Control Room Management (CRM) Compliance — deep expertise in PHMSA Title 49 Part 195 regulations, audit readiness, and OCC compliance. • Pipeline Operations Leadership — managing 24/7 OCC teams, alarm management programs, simulator training, and workload studies. • Safety & Regulatory Assurance — proven track record facilitating successful PHMSA audits, implementing fatigue risk management, and enforcing strict PSM and DOT standards. • Strategic Projects — from capital project support and system commissioning to integrating new customer meter laterals and optimizing OCC processes.What sets me apart is my ability to bridge technical expertise with leadership and compliance oversight. I don’t just manage operations — I build high-performing teams, create a culture of safety, and ensure organizations stay ahead of regulatory expectations while optimizing efficiency.I am passionate about developing the next generation of pipeline controllers, advancing compliance standards, and contributing to the safe, reliable transport of energy resources.

Experience

1. Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Operations Control, Occ Management

   Tallgrass

   Feb 2024 — Present · US

   Lead 24/7 control center operations for dense-phase CO₂ pipeline network, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations.Oversee OCC team performance, scheduling, and compliance with PHMSA Title 49 Part 195 CRM rules.Implement alarm management best practices and controller workload studies to improve operational decision-making.Partner with engineering and field teams to support new customer meter laterals, wet commissioning, and nitrogen displacement projects.

Education

• OSHA 30-Hour

  General Industry or Construction

• University of Houston

  Executive Leadership Certificate

• Licenses & Certifications

  Certification: Advanced Pipeline Control Room Management (James Bell Group)

• Licenses & Certifications

  Certification: Audit Readiness Training (James Bell Group)

• Sterling High School

  General Studies

• License & Certification

  Process Safety Management (PSM) Certification

• Lee College

  Associate of Applied Science (AAS)