Advanced Inspection Solutions (AIS) - Leadership
Kevin Hudgens — Founder & Principal Inspector | AIS
Kevin Hudgens is the Founder and Principal Inspector of Advanced Inspection Solutions (AIS), a mechanical integrity and inspection services firm based in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
With over 30 years of experience in fabrication, inspection, and mechanical integrity program development, Kevin brings a field-driven, regulator-aligned approach to asset integrity across oil and gas and industrial operations.
His background includes pressure vessel inspection (API 510), process piping integrity (API 570), and aboveground storage tank inspection (API 653), with inspection activities aligned to support engineering-level evaluations and fitness-for-service considerations.
His expertise includes mechanical integrity program development, inspection execution, compliance documentation, and structured program alignment supporting both PSM and non-PSM regulatory environments.
Certifications include API 510, 570, and 653, AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE), and ASNT Level III – Ultrasonic Testing (UT), providing principal-level technical authority over nondestructive examination (NDE) methods, procedures, and evaluation.
Kevin also supports workforce development as a Program Developer and Lead NDE Instructor at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC), aligning inspection training with ASNT guidelines and New Mexico workforce initiatives.
AIS operates under a principal-led model, with direct accountability maintained for inspection execution, evaluation, and documentation, including oversight of inspection methodologies, NDE practices, and reporting aligned with applicable industry standards.
Donald T. Christie — RBI & Asset Integrity Specialist | AIS
Donald T. Christie supports oil and gas operators through structured risk-based inspection (RBI), failure analysis, and mechanical integrity program development across the Permian Basin and throughout the United States.
With over 30 years of experience, Don specializes in API 580/581 RBI methodologies, fixed asset investigations, and mechanical failure and fire damage assessment of pressure vessels and piping systems. His work supports engineering-level evaluations, including API 579 fitness-for-service (FFS), enabling informed decisions on equipment condition and continued service.
His technical foundation began with advanced NDE training through U.S. Navy NDT A & C Schools. He has led inspection programs, supported RBI implementation, and performed asset investigations and condition evaluations aligned with mechanical integrity requirements.
Don previously served in an authority role with the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (NM OCD), strengthening his ability to deliver audit-ready, defensible findings aligned with regulatory expectations.
He is known for translating inspection data into clear, actionable conclusions supporting root cause analysis, turnaround planning, and asset reliability.
Certifications include API 510, API 570, and API 580 (Risk-Based Inspection). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern New Mexico University.
Don supports workforce development as a VT and UT instructor at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC).
At AIS, Don supports risk-based inspection (RBI), failure analysis, fire damage assessment, and high-consequence asset evaluation—providing technical insight that supports engineering decision-making, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset integrity.