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What are your thoughts as you begin your term as BOV chair?
The institution and the BOV have been incredibly successful. Accordingly, it is important to continue our successful BOV model and do all we can to support Dr. DePinho and the entire MD Anderson team through our philanthropic support and advice. 

Two years from now, what will be the signature of your term?
We are a great team, and it is important to look for opportunities to make our BOV even more relevant in helping MD Anderson. Our BOV is a source of incredible talent to help Dr. DePinho and his team to meet the challenges of cancer and take advantage of all opportunities to maintain our reputation and position as the No. 1 institution for cancer research and patient care.

What was one of your best career moves?
Without doubt, it was moving to Phillips Petroleum to start a nearly 40-year career in the oil and gas industry. Phillips gave me the opportunity to grow and develop in an industry that is noble and vitally important to economic growth and improving living standards. I thoroughly enjoyed my career and was able to travel extensively and better appreciate what is so special about the U.S.

What motivated you to be an advocate for MD Anderson?
Being a graduate of UT Austin, I was aware of the UT System and MD Anderson's special place in it. I was always proud to say the UT System had the best cancer research hospital in the world. Further, it was well understood within the oil and gas industry that MD Anderson was a preferred place to refer our employees and families for treatment and second opinions.

From a personal perspective, we have referred many friends to MD Anderson. And of most importance to our family, MD Anderson treated our son's melanoma cancer.

It is important to give back, and when Harry Longwell asked me to succeed him as chair of the Clinical Operations Committee, while he successfully chaired the recent capital campaign, I accepted. I learned a great deal, working with , and better understood the uniqueness and commitment of the entire MD Anderson team. I really enjoyed this experience, which led to more engagement with the BOV and the MD Anderson leadership team.

How did you feel about MD Anderson's recent top cancer hospital ranking in U.S. News & World Report?
Obviously, I was pleased and proud of this continued accomplishment. This is most difficult to do year after year over a long period of time. Without doubt, it is a testament to the commitment and accomplishment of all the cancer fighters at MD Anderson.

Now that you're retired, how do you like to spend your spare time?
In many ways it doesn't seem as if I have retired. I spend a great deal of time on public company boards and charitable initiatives. I enjoy this and as it's said, "You stay young by keeping your mind in the game." I do have some spare time, and I like flying airplanes and maybe some golf, although the golf is more an aspiration at this point. 

What's most important in life?
First, my faith. Second is family and friends. And third is to try to give back, as we all know how blessed we have been.

Born: Oshkosh, Wisc.
Grew up: Green Bay, Wisc.
Resides: Austin, Texas and Green Bay, Wisc.
Degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration, Â鶹ӳ»­ at Austin McCombs School of Business
Military Service: Navy ROTC University of Texas; U.S. Navy 1969-73 (lieutenant, Bahrain Island, Arabian Gulf, and Navy Finance Center, Cleveland, Ohio)
Career Base: Bartlesville, Okla.; London; Houston

Board of Visitors Service (since 2003):

• BOV chair (current)
• Chair Elect (2014 - 2016)
• Vice Chair (2012 - 2014)
• Officers Committee (2014 - present)
• Executive Committee (2014)
• Membership and Board Development Committee (2014)
• Industry Initiative Energy Committee (2013)
• Chair, Clinical Operations Advisory Group (2009)