Tim Simpson’s journey from a multicultural upbringing to a career in environmental management is as dynamic as his professional path. Born in India, raised in Indonesia, and later returning to the U.S., Simpson developed a deep appreciation for diverse environments from a young age.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he earned a degree in environmental engineering from the University of Houston. Simpson then spent 17 years working in chemical plants and as a government contractor, holding positions in Texas, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. In 2014, Tenaris recruited him to assist in the launch of their seamless pipe mill in Bay City, Texas. “When I joined, TenarisBayCity was just starting, with only a few columns in place,” he recalls.
By 2017, Simpson had been promoted to regional environmental senior manager. With the Bay City mill operational, his focus expanded to overseeing environmental compliance at other mills in Conroe and Houston, Texas, as well as Hickman, Arkansas. One of his most notable projects was Tenaris’s acquisition of IPSCO. “We worked on it in the background for a year before it was announced, reviewing thousands of files to assess compliance history and potential issues. That project remains one of the most memorable parts of my journey at Tenaris,” he reflects.
Eventually, Simpson advanced to regional environmental director. “I’m excited about Tenaris’s growing focus on decarbonization. We’re exploring major investments in green energy, particularly solar power in the U.S. But with Tenaris, you never know what new opportunities might come up,” he says. “The great thing about working in this industry is the opportunity to make a real impact—we have the chance to fix problems and create positive change.”
At the regional level, Simpson oversees permitting for environmental projects at multiple manufacturing sites and is also engaged in community initiatives. “Our community activities range from cleaning up Matagorda Bay along the Texas coast, removing abandoned crab traps, to improving a wetlands park in Baytown, Texas,” he explains. “We’re always looking for new ways to make a positive difference in the communities where we operate.”
One of the biggest challenges of his role is managing a dispersed team across 12 different facilities in the U.S., which requires frequent travel. “As a supervisor, I’m laid-back but have high expectations because I want my team to grow and eventually take over my role,” he says. “I share everything I know and push my team hard, but they appreciate it because it drives their improvement.”
Simpson also values the feedback he’s received from other leaders throughout his career. “One major lesson I’ve learned is the importance of involving everyone in decision-making, being open in communication, and sharing successes. At Tenaris, it’s essential to make your achievements and your team’s work visible for growth. That’s a shift from just focusing on getting things done.”
When offering advice to someone entering the field of environmental management, Simpson emphasizes the need for energy and a deep understanding of the processes involved. “The goal is to balance operational flexibility with environmental responsibility. Stay engaged in day-to-day operations to effectively support clients, maintain efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations while doing what’s best for the environment,” he advises.
In his personal life, Simpson has been married for 27 years and has a 26-year-old daughter. In his free time, he enjoys fishing for redfish and trout, taking occasional offshore trips, and managing a small cattle ranch in Matagorda County, Texas.
