Arctic Leadership Lecture Series
Business and Industry in the Arctic
April 3rd, 2025
Join Erec S. Isaacson, President of ConocoPhillips Alaska, for an insightful discussion on business and industry in the Arctic. He will share his personal and professional journey, offering perspectives on what makes leadership in Alaska’s business sector unique. Isaacson will discuss his leadership style, the challenges facing industry in the Arctic, and the evolving role of resource development in the region. He will also provide valuable advice for those interested in pursuing leadership roles in business, energy, and economic development in Alaska.
About Erec S. Isaacson
Erec S. Isaacson is president, ConocoPhillips Alaska.
Erec began his career with Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 1986 as a geophysicist in Upstream Technology. He held various exploration and development positions in the company, including assignments in Houston, Odessa and Stavanger.
In 2002, he became manager, New Ventures Exploration, and then transitioned to manager, Upstream Project Authorization and Performance. In 2006, he moved to Alaska where he first held the role of manager, Alaska Exploration, and later as vice president, Commercial Assets with accountability for non-operated, pipeline and Cook Inlet assets.
In 2010, Erec assumed the role of president, Qatar, for the project completion, startup and the first year of production for the QG3 JV. He then moved to Jakarta in 2012 as president & general manager, Indonesian Business Unit. In 2016, he became vice president, Rockies Business Unit. In 2018, he became vice president, Gulf Coast BU responsible for the development and operations of the company’s Eagle Ford and offshore Gulf of Mexico assets. He assumed his current position in January 2021. Erec earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geophysical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 1986. Erec is currently Chair of the Alaska Oil & Gas Association board of directors.
About the Arctic Leadership Lecture Series
The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series offers a unique blend of academic rigor and public engagement. Offered as PS F493/693 Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century, this course invites students and community members alike to explore critical aspects of leadership in the Arctic.
The course is available for undergraduate and graduate students, with both in-person and online options. Undergraduate students can also choose an Honors section, offered for both online and in-person delivery. Community members may attend the lectures for free or enroll as non-degree-seeking students to participate fully in the course.
Lectures are held in the Schaible Auditorium every Thursday from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM AKST (open to the public). Classroom discussions continue from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM AKST (students only).
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