Team

PORTER BENNETT - PRESIDENT & CEO

Porter Bennett is President and CEO of Denver-based Ponderosa Advisors LLC, an advisory and information firm for the energy and water sectors through its subsidiaries Ponderosa Energy and B3. For over three decades, Porter Bennett has pioneered innovative analytical approaches to understanding the natural gas, crude oil and, most recently, water markets. As Co-Founder of B3, a subsidiary of Ponderosa Advisors, LLC, he leads all strategic company initiatives, delivering data-driven water analytics to the energy and environment sectors. Prior to B3, Mr. Bennett founded BENTEK Energy in 1985, served as CEO, and led the company’s development until 2011 when he sold it to Platts, a division of McGraw Hill Financial.

Mr. Bennett serves on the board of Drillinginfo, Inc. and Fairway Energy LLC. He holds an MS degree in mineral economics from the Colorado School of Mines, an MA degree in international affairs from Columbia University, and a BA degree in history from Lewis & Clark College.

KELLY BENNETT – MANAGING PARTNER

Kelly co-founded Ponderosa Advisors in 2012 after building data and analytical products in the energy commodity space. Kelly operates with a strong commitment to community, conservation, and property rights. He sits on the Board of Directors for Colorado Uplift, one of Denver’s oldest organizations focused on supporting at-risk youth, and the Western Landowners Alliance, a non-profit advocating private conservation and land stewardship. When not playing with water data, Kelly is mostly likely found on a horse’s back or a pair of skis.

NANCY ZALUTSKY - WATER RIGHTS SPECIALIST AND CERTIFIED PARALEGAL

Nancy has over 20 years’ experience in Montana water rights.She feels lucky to work with great clients to help them understand, use and protect their water rights and visit beautiful properties as part of her job. Nancy spends time outdoors and is an avid downhill skier, hiker and kayaker.

JESSI FANELLI - WATER RIGHTS RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Jessi is a Water Rights Research Assistant, Bookkeeper/Controller for Porter Bennett’s Montana ranches and Office Manager in our Ennis office. She spent almost a decade as the Entitlement and Design Review Board Manager for Moonlight Basin, which included subdivision procurement and amendments, overall development planning and implementation, owner/membership services, accounts receivable, homeowner association and real estate management. Prior to working for Moonlight Basin, Jessi worked as a legal assistant in the litigation and commercial areas.