Suzette Salinas-Rodriguez
Suzette Salinas-Rodriguez is a dedicated billing and administrative professional with over 13 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, she currently serves as a Billing Administrator at TEAM, where she manages end-to-end invoicing, contract compliance, and client communications. Known for her precision and accountability, Suzette plays a key role in ensuring accurate billing, identifying missed charges, and maintaining smooth coordination between field operations and office administration.
Her career in the industry began unexpectedly while she was in college, when an opportunity at Brand Safeway introduced her to the plant environment. Starting as a timekeeper, she quickly advanced into roles managing office operations, procurement, and on-site project coordination. Through hands-on experience, she developed deep knowledge of materials management, safety processes, and billing systems, eventually overseeing critical operational and financial functions before transitioning to her current long-term role at TEAM Industrial.
Suzette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston–Victoria and is currently pursuing graduate studies in forensic psychology, with plans to continue into clinical mental health. Her academic background complements her professional focus on detail, communication, and human behavior in organizational settings. Outside of her career, she has also pursued personal passions in fitness and competition, reflecting her discipline, drive, and commitment to growth in all areas of life.
• University of Houston-Victoria- B.A.
• Victoria College- A.A.
• Grand Canyon University- M.S.
• Nationally Qualified Bikini Competitor
What do you attribute your success to?
I would have to say my support system, and just the sheer want to accomplish something. My first go-around at college, I did not do well at all. I'm from a very, very small town here in Texas, and I moved to Houston. Because I was top 10% of my class and did all sports, I had it down in high school. So I went to college and I fell on my face. It was a very big shock to me. I feel like I shouldn't have gone so big so quick. After that, I just started working, and I met my husband. He had started going back to his classes and kept telling me I should go back. I told him I was too old, I can't do it. I said I make more than people with bachelor's degrees, why would I want to go back? I love my job, but it's also very redundant, very repetitive. I wanted something that changes day to day, that keeps me on my toes. So he's like, go back. So I did. He supported me, cheered me on, just like I cheered for him, side by side. We actually graduated with our bachelor's degrees at the same time. I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for him and the push he gave me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't doubt yourself. Always trust your gut. If you have a gut feeling, you're probably right. Don't be afraid to speak up. I was very timid in my younger years, and I had a lot of good ideas that probably could have worked, but I was too scared to share them. Then, as I started giving these ideas and they started getting positive feedback, I was like, why was I so scared to do this? Never doubt yourself, and don't second-guess yourself. You're probably a lot smarter than you think you are. We overthink a lot as women.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in her field is the intense, detail-driven workload required to successfully close out each month and ensure every invoice is accurate and fully reconciled. At the same time, she sees a meaningful opportunity in the growing need for clinical mental health professionals within the VA and military community, which aligns with her long-term career direction.