Mr. Ely started his career with Halliburton Co., in 1965, working as a technician for the Analytical group while completing his college work. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1968 with a B.S. in chemistry. On returning to Halliburton, Mr. Ely served as chemist and senior chemist in fracturing research before transferring to International Operations in 1973. While in fracturing research, he was instrumental in the development of several fracturing fluids, including high-temperature systems and nonaqueous energized systems. Ely’s first assignment overseas was in south Iran as a district engineer. In 1975, he was promoted to technical adviser, Eastern Hemisphere, and transferred to Baharain. He traveled and worked in eleven Mideast countries in this position. In 1976, John transferred to Dubai, U.A.E. The following year, he was promoted to technical adviser, International Operations, and was based in Duncan, Oklahoma where his primary duty was to coordinate all phases of research with international field operations. Ely joined Nowsco Services in 1980 as Engineering Manager. His responsibilities included overseeing chemical and mechanical research and coordinating training for field engineers.
In 1985, John joined S.A. Holditch and Associates as Vice-President of Stimulation Technology. In addition to designing and supervising hundreds of stimulation treatments, he was involved in research on fracturing fluids under the auspices of the Gas Research Institute. Additionally, he served as an expert witness in areas involving completion and stimulation of oil and gas wells.
In May 1991, John with three partners founded Ely & Associates, Inc. This company is dedicated to providing a blend of practical and technical expertise on well completion, stimulation fluids and equipment, and reservoir analysis. John holds several patents and has numerous publications, including a book titled “Stimulation Treatment Handbook / An Engineer’s Guide to Quality Control”. He is also a contributing author to the S.P.E. monograph on hydraulic fracturing, writing the chapter on hydraulic fracturing fluids and fracture fluid selection. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, The Society of Petroleum Engineers, and is a fellow of the American Institute of Chemistry.