Michael D. Watford

Biography

Mr. Watford was appointed Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ultra Petroleum Corp. in 1999. Prior to joining Ultra Petroleum, Mr. Watford served as Chief Executive Officer of Nuevo Energy Company from 1994 – 1998.  Mr. Watford has enjoyed a full range of domestic and international industry experiences in the exploration and production, downstream refinery and chemicals businesses and managed product marketing, processing, and pipeline businesses while working over his 40-year career. 

Research Interest

Mr. Watford has held various management positions for a number of energy companies including Shell Oil, Superior Oil, Meridian Oil (Burlington Resources), Torch Energy, and Nuevo Energy.  Mr. Watford attended the University of Florida where he earned his undergraduate degree in Finance in 1975. While working for Shell Oil, he attended night school at the University of New Orleans where he earned his MBA in 1978.  Mr. Watford is on the Board of Axip Energy Services; in addition, he is a member of the National Petroleum Council, an oil and natural gas advisory committee to the U.S. Secretary of Energy. He also serves as a voting member on the Board of Trustees for Northwest Assistance Ministries.