About Us
Rooted in the Panhandle of Texas, we’ve expanded into the Permian Basin of West Texas, the Anadarko Basin of Western Oklahoma, the Fayetteville in Arkansas and the Utica in Ohio. Our commitment to responsible exploration and production, combined with a deep understanding of the land, has driven our success. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with landowners and industry partners
Our Mission
Rio Petroleum, Inc. began doing business in 1979, as the operating company of Barrett W. Pierce and serves as operator of producing oil and gas leases in Texas. The company has a full-time staff and several part-time employees and consultants.
Rio’s staff devotes its time to the management and administrative operation of the leases and to the evaluation and completion of new oil and gas related projects.
Rio is currently exploring for and producing oil and gas in the Anadarko Basin (Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma), Hardeman Basin (North Texas), Delaware Basin (West Texas), Fayetteville Basin (Arkansas), and the Utica Basin (Ohio).
Rio provides management and administrative support to Panhandle Farms and other affiliated entities and projects.
Vision
Rio’s vision is to be an enduring independent and private energy company that adapts and grows with the ever-growing energy needs of our nation. From safety to sustainability, from environmental to social, we value people and the communities in which they live.
Strategy
Our strategy is to invest in scalable assets and investments in key oil and gas basins throughout the state of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Ohio.
Our focus on engineering analysis, lease analysis, and field operations is crucial in allowing us to achieve our financial objectives and land conservation efforts.
We value forecasting oil and gas production and financial objectives while creating sustainable and measurable goals for Rio to achieve.
Our team
We're here to help you get the most out of your land.
Barrett is a businessman involved primarily in oil and gas exploration & production, mineral acquisition & development and irrigated row crop farming. In 1979, Barrett formed Rio Petroleum....
In 2017, Julia joined the family business as Vice President. Julia oversees all legal matters for Rio and Pierce entities and manages Human Resource and Cash Management matters...
Stephen joined Rio in 2018 and serves as Vice President and Business Manager. As Business Manager, Stephen coordinates activities for Rio and across all Pierce entities...
Dean manages field operations for Rio’s oil and gas assets and farm assets. Dean utilizes his technical and engineering skills to maintain production and farming practices...
Jay joined Rio in 2002 and has over 25 years of oil and gas experience. With a background in Geology, Jay’s duties include...
Norma joined Rio in 1987 and has been a stalwart of the company ever since. With nearly 40 years of oil & gas experience, she specializes in oil and gas accounting and administration...
Michelle joined Rio in 2005 and serves as Controller. She is responsible for the accounting and financial records of Rio and Pierce entities
Leslie joined Rio in 2006, and her responsibilities include oil & gas regulatory compliance and reporting, support for field personnel and production analysis...
Barbara is responsible for monitoring and fulfilling all oil & gas lease obligations for our operated, non-operated, and mineral interests...
John joined Rio in 1987 evaluating exploration and production projects. John managed all field operations for Rio, but currently serves as a consultant and provides engineering expertise...