Dr. Richard E. Wainerdi

Dr. Wainerdi brings substantial executive suite experience, including serving as President of Gulf Research and Development Company, the world wide R&D arm of Gulf Oil Corporation.

Dr. Wainerdi retired in 1984 when Gulf Oil was acquired by Chevron Corporation and then served for 28 years as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. While at Texas Medical Center, Dr. Wainerdi served on numerous boards, including Shell Exploration and Production Company, Howell Oil Company and McCormick Oil Company.

Dr. Wainerdi graduated with distinction from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. His first assignment was as a Junior Engineer with Shell Oil Company is Louisiana. Following a short time out to serve his country in the Korean War, he attended Penn State, where he received both Masters and Doctorate degrees in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, with a minor in Nuclear Engineering. After attending the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology, he went to work for Dresser Industries as Director of Nuclear Activities.

He was hired by Texas A&M University as an Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering and of Nuclear Engineering. At 28 years old, he was made Associate Dean of Engineering, Associate Director of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, and Professor of Chemical Engineering. Dr. Wainerdi dedicated more than 20 years to the development of many active programs at Texas A&M University, including the Center for Energy and Minerals, before joining a large Architectural & Engineering firm, 3D International as Vice President of Special Projects.