Russell E. Parker, BSPE '00
Russell E. Parker was born and raised in Midland, TX. Growing up during the bust of the mid ’80’s, he initially decided to stay out of the oil business and follow his interest in atmospheric flight. But after two years in Aerospace Engineering, his roommate convinced him to switch majors to Petroleum Engineering. He quickly discovered a new found interest in Reservoir Engineering and Geology.
After his first year in the department, Russell began an internship working with the 13 UT engineers at Platt, Sparks and Associates in Austin. He worked there until graduation and for nine months afterward. Then, he met UT PGE alumnus Richard Alexander ’83 B.S.P.E., ’85 M.S.P.E., and in three short days was convinced to join Hilcorp Energy Company. Immediately after accepting his job, he met another fellow Longhorn and Hilcorp’s founder, president and CEO, Jeff Hildebrand ’81 B.S. Geology, ’85 M.S.P.E. Jeff’s first six words were truly foretelling of the future that lay ahead – “I hope you ate your Wheaties!”
The whirlwind pace that started during the interview process at Hilcorp has yet to slow down. Over the last ten years, Russell has held four positions within the company. As Reserves Engineer, Russell was responsible for moving Hilcorp’s corporate Reserve Report from its previous auditor to Ryder Scott. Subsequently, Russell worked as a Reservoir Engineer on Hilcorp’s properties in Texas, onshore Louisiana and Terrebonne Bay. After three years in Reservoir Engineering, Russell joined the A&D team at Hilcorp as an Evaluations Engineer. After two years in this role, Russell became an Asset Team Manager. Originally responsible for the Tom O’Connor asset, he currently manages the South Texas region, one of eight within Hilcorp. The asset is made up of fourteen fields, 700 active wells, 300,000 gross acres and 83 company employees, including 10 engineers and geologists. Russell thoroughly enjoys the challenges of discovering, developing and producing oil and gas. He feels fortunate to wake up every day excited to work.
Russell also attends career fairs and expos in Houston-area high schools to encourage students to consider Petroleum Engineering as a career and UT as the school of choice. Russell routinely volunteers to judge the SPE Student Paper Contest at UT. (He is also a former participant and winner of the 2000 Gulf Coast contest.) In addition, Russell volunteers with Breakthrough Austin, an organization dedicated to building a path to secondary education for students who will be first-generation college graduates. Another volunteer passion for Russell and his wife Heather is serving on the board of directors for the Old West Melodramas Theatre in Old Town Spring.
Russell and Heather are the proud parents of two boys, John Russell and William. Heather’s support during college and over the past ten years has been integral to Russell’s success. They both thoroughly enjoy trips back to Austin, especially now that they can share a love for The University of Texas with their children – UT class of 2028 and 2032!
