Roy Michael “Mike” Riley, born on August 4, 1951, in Perryton, Texas, has had a distinguished career in the petroleum industry spanning several decades. A dedicated professional with deep expertise in reservoir engineering, drilling operations and production forecasting, he has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous oil and gas projects. Mike graduated as the salutatorian of Gruver High School in 1969 before earning a BS in Petroleum Engineering with highest honors from The University of Texas at Austin in December 1973. Throughout his career, he continuously expanded his expertise through industry courses in well log analysis, pressure transient analysis and management development.

Mike began his career at Tenneco Oil Company in 1973 as a trainee production and drilling engineer before advancing to reservoir engineering roles covering the Texas Gulf Coast, North Louisiana and offshore Louisiana. His technical acumen led him to Cotton Petroleum Company, where he served as a reservoir engineer and later a district petroleum engineer, overseeing drilling, completions and production operations. In 1979, Mike transitioned to Courson Oil and Gas, Inc., where he became an exploration manager, overseeing operations in the Anadarko Basin across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. His leadership facilitated the drilling of nearly 400 wells, with responsibilities spanning drilling supervision, completion design and regulatory compliance. In 1998, he founded Riley Energy Resources, LLC, offering consulting services in well design, reservoir analysis and expert testimony for court proceedings. He later returned to Courson Oil and Gas in 2007 as operations manager, leading the design and completion of approximately 150 horizontal wells before retiring in 2019.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike has served as board member and president of the Panhandle Producers and Royalty Owners Association, Perryton Independent School District, and Ochiltree County Appraisal Review Board. His dedication extended to faith-based leadership, serving as deacon, elder and board chairman at the First Christian Church of Perryton and Board of Elders chair at Lifegate Church. Additionally, he devoted 18 years to the Kairos Prison Ministry, reflecting his passion for service and mentorship. Mike has been happily married to Linn Robinson Riley since 1969. Together, they have two children, Amy Linn Dear and John Michael Riley, and four beloved grandchildren: Riley Thomas Dear, Emily Riley Savage, Ashton Jake Dear, and Cole Allen Riley. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership and community, Mike’s legacy extends far beyond his professional contributions, leaving a lasting mark on the petroleum industry and the people he has served.