Gary Ford

2024 Distinguished Alumni

B.S. '75/M.S. '78 Geology

Born in Oklahoma City, Gary Ford’s fascination with Earth science began in high school when he explored caves with an OKC spelunking group.

At OSU he started in forestry before transitioning to geology, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1975 and a master’s in 1978.

Gary kicked off his career at Getty Oil Company in New Orleans, where he honed his exploration skills. He later joined Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in Oklahoma City, contributing to oil and gas activities worldwide. This included helping in the discovery and development of significant oil reserves for Anadarko in Algeria’s Sahara Desert.

Gary’s career at Anadarko took him across continents — from London to Anchorage to Jakarta. As president and general manager of Anadarko Indonesia Corporation from 2006 to 2012, he led a multi-block oil exploration program in Indonesia. In 2014, Gary retired as Anadarko’s Frontier Exploration North America Manager after 37 years in the oil and gas industry.

Gary’s commitment to geology education continues through his involvement with OSU’s Boone Pickens School of Geology. He is an active member of the school’s Alumni Advisory Board, having recently served as board chairperson and director. Gary was awarded an Honorary Life Member Award and the Super Cowboy Legacy Award for his contributions to BPSoG.

Gary and his wife Susan, who is also an OSU alum, have two adult sons, Stuart and Martin. They reside in Fredericksburg, Texas, surrounded by the geology of the Hill Country.