Madison T. Woodward III is a highly accomplished geoscientist and corporate leader with over 43 years of experience in oil and gas exploration, production, and resource development. His expertise spans hydrocarbon exploration, field development, asset acquisitions, and strategic portfolio management across the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Asia. Madison has played a pivotal role in numerous new field discoveries, successfully leading technical and executive teams in both domestic and international energy ventures. His work has also extended into emerging areas such as carbon capture and lithium production from subsurface reservoirs, positioning him as a forward-thinking leader in the evolving energy landscape.
Most recently, Madison served as Director of Geosciences at W&T Offshore, where he led exploration and development efforts in the Gulf of Mexico Shelf and Deep Water. Under his leadership, the geoscience team generated high-potential drilling prospects, managed seismic acquisition strategies, and contributed to strategic asset acquisitions. Prior to this, he was a Consulting Geoscientist at Foster & Associates, where he generated multiple Deep Water and Shelf prospects that were acquired by clients and competitors, leading to successful discoveries. As Principal Geoscientist at ASEANA Exploration, he provided technical advisory services in domestic and international exploration, including prospect generation and portfolio strategy consultation.
As Co-Founder and Co-Vice President of Exploration at TANA Exploration Co. LLC, Madison played an instrumental role in managing exploration and development projects in the Gulf of Mexico, leading multiple successful discoveries. Expanding his influence into Southeast Asia, he served as President of TANA Oil & Gas (Thailand), overseeing business development, financial operations, and government relations. His leadership resulted in three major wildcat discoveries and the successful sale of the company in 2009, with newer discoveries still under development today. Earlier in his career, he held senior technical roles at Basin Exploration Co., CLK Company, and Freeport McMoRan Inc., where he contributed to offshore Gulf of Mexico ventures, deep drilling programs, and acquisition evaluations.
Madison has been an active board member and leader in various social, civic, and industry organizations. He currently serves on the board of three prestigious wine organizations—two based in France and one in Italy—reflecting his deep passion for fine wines and cultural appreciation. His past board experience includes leadership roles in multiple charitable and professional organizations. A respected thought leader in the energy sector, he has delivered university lectures on geology and geophysics and spoken at investor conferences on exploration strategies and portfolio management.
His international exposure includes extensive work in Southeast Asia, with experience in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Fluent in French, he has effectively navigated cross-cultural business environments and led global partnerships. His ability to bridge technical expertise with business strategy has made him a sought-after leader in both corporate and advisory capacities.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Washington & Lee University and pursued post-graduate studies in Geophysics and Geology at the University of Texas at Austin. Beyond his professional achievements, Madison is passionate about fitness, swimming daily, and maintaining a balanced approach to life. His leadership philosophy is built on discipline, adaptability, and a common-sense approach to business challenges.
Madison is actively seeking board positions where he can leverage his industry knowledge, global experience, and leadership expertise to help companies navigate complex challenges in energy, resource development, and strategic growth. His ability to evaluate exploration opportunities, guide portfolio investments, and provide practical governance insights makes him a highly valuable asset to any board looking to drive innovation, optimize operations, and ensure long-term success.
Character: Madison Woodward is a disciplined and adaptable leader with a common-sense approach to business challenges, balancing technical expertise with integrity and sound decision-making.
Knowledge: With over 43 years of experience in oil and gas exploration, field development, asset acquisitions, and emerging energy solutions like carbon capture and lithium production, he brings deep industry expertise.
Strategic: His ability to evaluate exploration opportunities, guide portfolio investments, and lead international ventures has driven multiple successful discoveries and high-impact business growth.
Communication: As a respected industry thought leader, he has effectively engaged with investors, executives, and academic audiences through university lectures, investor conferences, and board advisory roles.
