About The Member

Mr. Ernest LaFlure graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of New York at Binghamton with a Master of Science Degree in Geology in 1978.  He published research at that time on the impact of urbanization on flood magnitudes in Western Pennsylvania.  LaFlure subsequently earned an Executive MBA at the University of Houston.  He began his energy industry career, with Shell Oil Co., where in 20 years he held various exploration and production management positions throughout the continental United States and Alaska, including both onshore and offshore assignments. He left Shell as Exploration Manager for the Continental US and Alaska.

In 1998, LaFlure went independent, and formed privately held Andex Resources where he was President, and CEO.  The principals in the company chose to sell the venture during a downturn in the industry in late 2001.

LaFlure joined EOG Resources management in 2002 and for 10 of those years was the Vice President and General Manager of the Tyler Division, where he had responsibilities for EOG’s exploration and production activities in the southeastern United States, including operations in East Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.  EOG is a recognized leader in horizontal drilling in unconventional shale plays. In the East Texas region, LaFlure led EOG’s entry into such programs as the Haynesville Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, and Buda Limestone. After thirteen years at EOG and 37 years in the industry, LaFlure retired at yearend 2015.

LaFlure helped found a new company, Oil Technology Group (OTG) in 2016, where he is a Director.  OTG is focused on the development of new enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies for shale reservoirs. He is also currently President for the East Texas Geological Society.  Additionally, LaFlure has been a major organizer of the annual NE Texas Energy Summit that explores a wide range of energy policy issues with government, business and political leaders in Texas.