ROBERT “BOB” E. IRELAN ’68

PE Hall of Fame Class of 2024

Robert “Bob” E. Irelan has more than 37 years of leadership with Occidental Petroleum and Conoco Inc. He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and has made contributions to Mines and other organizations. 

He graduated from Mines in 1968 with a professional degree in petroleum engineering and then a master’s degree in mineral economics. While at Mines, he played varsity baseball and basketball and was involved in Alpha Tau Omega and Blue Key Honor Society. 

Irelan retired from Occidental Petroleum as executive vice president of Worldwide Operations. He completed a major restructuring of the company’s portfolio and personnel that enabled significant business performance growth. Previously, he held various positions at Conoco, Inc. and ConocoPhillips, where he rose to became regional manager of Conoco’s upstream business. 

He served on the board of directors of Harvest Natural Resources, Touchstone Resources USA and Cygnus Oil and Gas. 

Upon his retirement, Irelan opened his own company, Naleri Investments, and partnered in several entrepreneurial ventures.  

Irelan earned Mines’ Distinguished Achievement Medal and was a supporter of the McBride Honors Program and The Mines Fund. 

Contributions to Mines and Awards

  • Trustee Development Council
  • Chair, President’s Council Regional Committee 
  • Petroleum Engineering Visiting Committee
  • Reunion Giving Program
  • Transforming Resources Corporate/Foundation Committee 

Industry Boards

  • Chair, New Mexico Oil and Gas 
  • Chair, Midcontinental Oil and Gas 
  • Chair, UK offshore Operators 
  • Chair, Permian Basin Oil and Gas Assoc.    

Contributions to Society

  • Board of Paramount Theater 
  • Board of Little Brothers and Sister 
  • Board of Midland Community Theater 
  • President of United Way of Midland 
  • Board president of Unbroken Spirit
  • Board of Walnut Cove Members Association