Mark Myers named to head state Division of Oil and Gas

Phillips Alaska exploration geologist spent most of ’90s at division after earning Ph.D. in geology from University of Alaska Fairbanks

Kristen Nelson

PNA News Editor

Mark Myers has been appointed to succeed Ken Boyd as director of the Division of Oil and Gas, the governor’s office said Dec. 14.

“Mark Myers has a thorough understanding of the oil and gas industry from both the private and public sectors,” Gov. Tony Knowles said in a announcing the appointment.

“With so much activity going on in the oil patch these days and so much work under way toward getting our natural gas to market, we need a person with these skills and level of dedication and commitment.”

Myers is currently an exploration geologist with Phillips Alaska Inc.

He worked as an exploration and development geologist for ARCO Alaska Inc. in the mid-1980s, and then earned a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. While working on his degree, Myers was an intern in the division.

Later, from 1990 to 1998, Myers worked for the division as a petroleum geologist. He returned to ARCO (now Phillips Alaska) as an exploration geologist in 1998. A certified and licensed professional petroleum geologist, Myers is also a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Myers, 45, earned bachelors and masters degrees in geology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked for oil companies in Louisiana before coming to Alaska in 1983 as an exploration geologist for ARCO.

Myers is expected to join the division Jan. 8.

Myers said he look forward to serving as division director.

“These are fast-moving times for Alaska oil and gas exploration and development,” Myers said. “Progress on North Slope natural gas commercialization, the discovery of new fields such as Meltwater, the start-up of production at Alpine, progress at Northstar and the successful application of new technology for increased heavy oil production are positive events for Alaskans.”