SOCORRO, N.M. June 23, 2015 – New Mexico Tech announced Friday, June
19, that the Matthew Rhoades has been selected as the new State
Geologist and Director of the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.
“In Mr. Rhoades, we’re
getting an individual with broad experience,” said Dr. Daniel H. Lopez,
university president. “We’ve found an individual who will continue the
excellent work at the Bureau for many years. He has a strong science
background and strong grasp of finances that are required for the
continued growth and success at the Bureau.”
Rhoades has been the
principal geologist at WorleyParsons in Denver since 2011. He has
experience in ground water, surface water, soil, soil gas, solid waste
leachate, mine waste and mine tailings projects. In addition to projects
in several states, Rhoades has worked on a variety of projects in
foreign countries, including Ecuador, Colombia, Afghanistan, Mexico,
Chile and Peru.
Rhoades earned his
bachelor’s from the University of Missouri in 1981, a master’s in
structural geology from Washington State University in 1984 and an
M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix in Denver in 1992. He is a
licensed Professional Geologist in six states.
Rhoades worked in
operations as a well site geologist from 1984 to 1986 with Analex Inc.
He then spent 11 years with Harding Lawson Associates. There, he
spearheaded a successful initiative to pursue Department of Energy
projects, including a geophysical investigation at Hanford Nuclear
Researvation in Richland, Wash.
From 1997 to 2005,
Rhoades was the principal hydrogeologist and operations manager for the
Denver office of Maxim Technologies. He oversaw remediation projects for
ConocoPhillips, Lockheed Martin Aerospace and TotalFinaElf.
Rhoades then joined
Golder Associates from 2005 to 2006, where he worked on mining issues in
Arizona. From 2006 to 2011, he worked as an independent consultant,
targeting mining projects.
“Mr. Rhoades
background is not specific to a university setting, but he’s worked
directly with industry on science questions related to extractive
industries,” Lopez said. “He also has a strong background in the area of
securing external funding. I am confident that Mr. Rhoades will
maintain the strong foundation of the Bureau. He’s well equipped to
pursue other opportunities for expanding the role of the Bureau within
New Mexico, as well as reaching out beyond the borders of the state.”
Lopez said he was impressed with Rhoades during the interview process, particularly his management experience and skills.
“He’s a good listener
and problem-solver and he will be highly supportive of the Bureau
staff,” Lopez said. “He has a clear vision about how the Bureau can
expand its role and add value to its existing excellent work.”
Rhoades was selected
from three finalists. Initially, a search committee of nine faculty
members, administrators, and Bureau of Geology staff reviewed
application materials and interviewed candidates to settle on three
finalists. The candidates were Dr. Nelia Dunbar, deputy director of the
Bureau; Matthew Rhoades, principal geologist with WorleyParsons in
Denver; and Dr. Hannes Leetaru, senior petroleum geologist with the
Illinois Geological Survey.
“We were very
fortunate to have three excellent finalists,” Lopez said. “It was very
difficult choice because any one of the candidates would’ve made a great
director. Mr. Rhoades brought the right mix of talents and experience,
which should prove beneficial to the Bureau and to New Mexico Tech.”
– NMT –
By Thomas Guengerich/New Mexico Tech