Fred J. Hilterman received an engineering degree and Ph.D. in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines. During his tenure with Mobil (1963-1973), his assignments ranged from field work and prospect evaluation to Activity Leader at the Field Research Laboratory. After leaving Mobil in 1973, he joined the Geology Department at the University of Houston where he was Professor of geophysics and co-founder of UH Seismic Acoustic Laboratory. In 1981 Hilterman co-founded Geophysical Development Corp. (GDC) and was Vice-President of Development. In 2020, Fred co-founded HSB Geophysical where he is Chief Scientist.

Fred is a long-standing member of SEG, EAGE, and AAPG, with honorary memberships in SEG and GSH. His services to the societies include Associate Editor of Geophysics, Chairman of The Leading Edge Editorial Board, SEG and AAPG Distinguished Lecturer, and both Technical and General Chairman of SEG Annual Meetings. Fred received the SEG Best Paper Award, Best Presentation Award, and Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal. He has been an instructor for SEG and AAPG Continuing Education courses since the 1970s. Fred was the 1996 97 SEG President.