MEET OUR TEAM
LANDON LYONS
COO
Landon Lyons started working in the oilfield in 1998 for Marine Drilling left Marine Drilling in 2000, went to Cardinal Gas Lift until 2003. Started at Crescent Directional Drilling in 2004 as a Directional Driller and in 2011 was promoted to Directional Operations Coordinator. 2016 joined ACCEL Directional as Operations Manager until Patriot was formed in 2019. He has extensive experience in GOM Shelf, as well as Haynesville, Austin Chalk, Eagle Ford, James Lime, Fayetteville, Mid Con (Scoop & Stack) and Permian Basins.
CHARLIE STOCKER
Executive Vice President
Charlie earned his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and immediately commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, upon graduation. Over seven years in the USMC, he traveled the world over in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror.
In 2013, he joined Derrick Corporation as a Technical Services Engineer, working in the field on product development and in product line management. Later he was promoted to Technical Services Manager, overseeing three teams, and serving on Derrick’s Oilfield Division management team. Additionally, he earned an MBA from Rice University while working full time at Derrick.
Charlie joined the Patriot leadership team in September of 2023 to assist with business development, financial planning, business strategy, and corporate governance. Charlie enjoys spending time outdoors or doing anything with his wife of 17 years and three children.
RILEY NORRIS
Sales & Marketing Manager
Like many, Riley got his oilfield start as a MWD field technician working for operators such as Petrohawk, Pioneer, EOG and Encana across the Haynesville and Eagle Ford regions.
Moving into MWD Operations, Riley managed 25-30 active MWD projects and was main point of contact for troubleshooting and asset utilization.
After transitioning into the Sales and Account Management side of Directional Drilling, Riley has enjoyed growing his network and meeting new operators who are tackling US Unconventional shale.
When he isn't chasing new work, Riley enjoys spending time with his family as well as hunting, fishing and sucking at golf."
STEVE MCCLESKEY
Motor Shop Manager
Steve began working in the Oilfield in 1997 with Baker Hughes as a Motor shop tech working on downhole drilling tools, where he completed a Regional training rotation in North America. In 2001, he was transferred to the International rotator pool BHI–Technical Training Specialist, training local personnel on drilling systems down hole tools in Argentina and Bolivia. Steve was the Logistics Coordinator for Weatherford in 2003 and in 2005 he was appointed as their Motor shop supervisor. In March 2006, Steve worked at Crescent Directional Drilling as Product line Coordinator/Mud Motor Manager initializing the set-up of the Mud Motor facility and responsible for day to day operations with R&M of 250 Motors a month in the Houston district. Steve joined the Patriot Drilling Services team in 2019 as Downhole Tool Manager.
GABRIEL ALDAPE
CFO
Gabriel Aldape holds the position of Chief Financial Officer. He oversees all financial functions, including treasury, accounting, audit, tax, financial reporting, planning and analysis. As the finance and accounting leader, he partners with management colleagues to continuously drive financial performance, Gabriel joined Patriot Drilling Services in June of 2021.
Previously, Gabe has held various leadership roles with Baker Hughes, Oil States International, Boots & Coots, and Gravity Oilfield. Gabe has successfully led teams focused on critical projects including private business startup, company reorganizations, implementing and enhancing accounting and operational software systems, and developing administrative and finance staff. His roles with private and public companies have focused on supporting organic growth and acquisitions.
Gabriel earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from St. Mary’s University at San Antonio, Texas. He is actively involved as a volunteer with the Houston Chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
NICK THAYER
MWD Operations Manager
Nick began working in the oil field in 2006 with CTS Offshore working as an electric line operator in deep water GOM. He started at LEAM Drilling Systems in 2007 as an MWD field engineer worked his way up to MWD coordinator in 2010. In 2011 he was promoted to NE Operations Manager and was responsible for MWD and mud motors for NE USA. In 2013, he advanced to technical sales manager & in-house coordinator at BHP Billiton in Houston. He joined ACCEL in 2017 and in 2018 he took over MWD operations at ACCEL until Patriot started in 2019.
CHRIS THOMAS
Sr. Well Planner
Chris has over 16 years’ experience in Well Planning. His original background in Architectural Drafting and design opened a door into the Oil & Gas industry as a Well Planner. Over his Oil & Gas industry career, he has developed expertise in the use of Landmark EDM Suite for Well Planning, Torque and Drag modeling, and survey management and monitoring. He is proficient in numerous CAD platforms as well as additional Oil & Gas industry specific software. A life-long resident of Montgomery County, his Well planning career began at Weatherford International in 2004. In 2006 he joined Crescent Directional Drilling where he worked 13 years as a Senior Well Planner. He joins the Patriot Drilling Services team at the beginning of 2020.
He has an A.S. in Architectural Drafting and Design from Texas State Technical College, Waco and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration and management from San Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas.
TAD ROANE
President
Tad graduated with a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas in 1971 and worked in commercial banking and general finance after graduation, managing a loan portfolio and starting two intrastate gas pipeline companies. In 2003, helped start Crescent Directional Drilling where he served in multiple roles, including CFO. In September 2019, Tad help start Patriot Drilling Services and has served as President since then.
JOHN JORDAN
Directional Operations Manager
John began his oilfield career in 1978. First as a roustabout for Reading and Bates offshore, then as a roughneck for Delta Drilling land division. John has 14 years experience as a directional driller with Eastman Whipstock beginning in 1981, Carl King and Associates, Eastman Christiansen, Ensco, and Halliburton Energy Services. He transitioned into the office as a directional coordinator for Halliburton Directional in 1993. He has 26 years experience as a directional drilling coordinator and manager, with expertise in both horizontal and conventional wells. John was the Southeast Region Manager for Crescent Directional from 2010 to 2016, overseeing a high of 37 rigs during peak times. John joined Pro Directional in 2017. In 2018 John went to Accel Directional working as a Senior Coordinator under Landon Lyons.
VIRGINIA PELINGON
HR & Office Manager
Virginia joined Patriot Drilling Services in 2019 as the Office Manager. She is responsible for Human Resources including managing payroll and employee expense reimbursements. Virginia supports company drilling technicians and contractors. She also assists management to ensure compliance with the Company’s business processes and policies. As Office Manager, she is involved in managing facilities.
Virginia Pelingon has 17 years of experience in the oilfield service industry. Prior to joining Patriot Drilling Services, Virginia began in the industry with Crescent Directional Drilling where she held various positions of increasing responsibility including supporting MWD and Directional Drilling Operations management, Account Payable Lead, and Systems Administrator.
Virginia has an A.A.S. in Business General Studies and A.A.S in Computer Information Systems Technology from Delgado Community College, New Orleans, LA.