Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Whitley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Interestingly, I originally went to school for process technology and instrumentation. At the time, I assumed I would become an I&E technician or possibly work as an operator at a facility. It didn’t take long, however, for me to realize that I was far more interested in roles that offered interaction, problem-solving, and the opportunity to travel.
That realization led me back to school for additional certification courses while I was working for a company repairing environmental analyzers. Through that experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the environmental side of the industry—one that opened the door to travel and allowed me to see more of the world. As I became more immersed in the business, I recognized just how much opportunity existed and how unsaturated the market truly was.
When I talked with friends about my work, no one ever seemed to fully understand what I did. Oddly enough, that was a clear signal to me—in the simplest terms—that I was in a strong and specialized field. At the time, I was working as a Fugitive Emissions Technician, and I quickly saw the long-term potential of the industry.
Despite economic downturns and major shifts over the past 30 years, the business has continued to thrive. Over time, I worked my way up to vice president and part owner of a consulting company. After we sold the firm to private equity, I launched my own venture—and today, I continue to perform successfully and actively within the industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would love to say the road was smooth, but anyone with a real story knows that’s rarely the case. While my industry was highly untapped and far from saturated, that also meant diversity was virtually nonexistent. I often found myself breaking new ground—sitting in rooms where I was well beyond what anyone would consider a minority.
At one point, I lived for two years in a city of roughly 10,000 people, where only four of us had any melanin in our skin. Despite the very real initial fears, that experience became one of the most impactful periods of my life. I grew tremendously and still maintain lifelong friendships from that time. What felt uncomfortable at first ultimately shaped me in ways I couldn’t have predicted.
I stayed consistent and kept my focus on growth. The knowledge we were gaining was difficult to obtain, and very few people were doing this work. That scarcity showed me an opportunity—to assert myself as a subject matter expert and take greater control of my own destiny. That’s the path I chose.
There were certainly ups and downs, but every step back created the momentum for a larger leap forward, and that journey brought me here today. This career has also given me the chance to truly help people. Many of my clients first came to me overwhelmed, uncertain about their future, and worried about potential issues with the U.S. EPA. Through our work together and the application of my expertise, we were able to mitigate nearly every situation and significantly reduce their risk. These types of victories make the struggles worth fighting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Whitley Hurst Consulting is an environmental and regulatory consulting firm specializing in emissions compliance, risk mitigation, and operational strategy for industrial and energy-sector clients. We help organizations navigate complex environmental regulations, reduce exposure to enforcement actions, and build sustainable compliance programs that actually work in real-world operations.
What sets us apart is our deep, firsthand industry experience. We don’t operate from a purely academic or theoretical perspective—we come from the field. Our expertise is rooted in decades of hands-on work in emissions monitoring, fugitive emissions, benzene waste, environmental compliance, and regulatory engagement. That background allows us to understand not only what regulations require, but how they impact daily operations, budgets, and long-term business decisions.
We are known for stepping in when the stakes are high. Many of our clients come to us facing uncertainty, regulatory pressure, or concern about potential exposure with agencies such as the U.S. EPA. Our role is to bring clarity, structure, and confidence to those situations. Through practical strategies, technical expertise, and proactive planning, we consistently help clients minimize risk, resolve issues, and regain control of their compliance posture.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of our ability to break barriers and lead where others have not. We have served on the team that closed the first Refining Consent Decree, led the strategy behind the first enhanced LDAR Program (ELP)—successfully implementing, maintaining, and closing the agreement between the U.S. EPA and the client on schedule—and, most recently, devised the strategy and led negotiations that resulted in the termination of the first Oil and Gas Consent Decree.
Where there is a will, we find the way. Our clients rely on us not just as consultants, but as long-term partners and trusted subject matter experts. We have built a reputation for being direct, credible, and solutions-focused—never overcomplicating challenges and never losing sight of our clients’ goals.
We want readers to know that Whitley Hurst Consulting exists to make complex environmental challenges manageable. Our services are designed to protect our clients’ operations, reputations, and futures while helping them operate responsibly and confidently in a highly regulated environment.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is rooted in a small town called Grand Isle. I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Grand Isle was where we went to fish. Even now, just the smell of the place brings back some of the best memories of my life.
I am, unfortunately, someone who has buried a son. One day, when my own time comes, our ashes will be spread in the waters of Grand Isle—a return to a place that gave me so much happiness. It’s where I caught my first bull redfish, my first speckled trout, and even my first black tip shark. Those moments were simple, wholesome, and unforgettable.
Years later, my son and I went there many times to fish together. Watching him experience those same firsts made those memories even more meaningful. They are moments that will always bring a smile to my face—and a quiet sadness as well—because those days have passed, but what they gave me will never fade.
Pricing:
- Whitley Hurst Consulting solutions are site-specific and tailored to each client’s unique needs, which means pricing can vary. We work collaboratively with organizations of all sizes and budgets to deliver practical, high-value solutions without compromising quality or outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whconsulting.co
Image Credits
BLEWS Conference 2025 (blue suit pics)
