Fred Zeidman

Chairman Emeritus

I feel this is the first time I have found a perfect fit in the advisory sector for what I love to do. I have come to know and respect the very talented team at the firm, and the sophisticated advice and judgment Gordian Group provides to boards of directors in an increasingly complex and litigious world appeals to me greatly as a platform.

Fred Zeidman joined Gordian Group as Chairman in December of 2014 and became Chairman Emeritus in February of 2021. Mr. Zeidman is involved in the Seaport Gordian Energy efforts (especially in Texas) along with other Seaport Gordian professionals (see press release here).

Over the course of his distinguished 45-year career, Mr. Zeidman has been involved in numerous high-profile workouts, restructurings and reorganizations.  He was former CEO, President and Chairman of Seitel, Inc., a Houston-based provider where he was instrumental in the successful turnaround of the Company. He most recently served as Chief Restructuring Officer of Transmeridian Exploration, Inc. and Bankruptcy Trustee AremisSoft Corp.  He held the post of Chairman of the Board and CEO of Unibar Corporation, the largest domestic independent drilling fluids company, until its sale to Anchor Drilling Fluids.

Mr. Zeidman is also Chairman Emeritus of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Chairman Emeritus of the University of Texas Health Science System Houston, interim Chief Financial Officer of the Texas Heart Institute and is Vice Chancellor of the Houston Community College System.  He further serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the University of Saint Thomas and is National Campaign Chairman of Development Corp of Israel (Israel Bonds).

Education

Mr. Zeidman holds a Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s in Business Administration from New York University.

 Awards & Special Recognitions

  • 2001 AIPAC Southwest Region Distinguished Leadership Award
  • 2002 American Friends of Lubavitch Honoree
  • 2002 Forward Newspaper selected as “Forward 50”
  • 2003 Forward Newspaper selected as “Forward 50”
  • 2004 Forward Newspaper selected as “Forward 50”
  • 2004 Thomas Jefferson Citizen Diplomat Award
  • 2005 The Lifetime Hero Award – Texas Southern University
  • 2005 Guardian of the Human Spirit Award – Holocaust Museum Houston
  • 2005 Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre Award
  • 2006 Orthodox Union IPA Public Service Award
  • 2009 American Jewish Committee National Institute of Human Relations Award
  • 2010 U.S. Holocaust National Tribute Dinner
  • 2010 Hineni Triumph of the Spirit Award
  • 2010 Houston Treasure Social Book Award
  • 2011 Interfaith Ministries Tapestry Award
  • 2012 Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston Tapestry Award

Fred S Zeidman

Professionals

Board Affiliations

  • Chairman Emeritus, United States Holocaust Memorial Council, appointed by President George W. Bush (2002-2010)
  • Chairman Emeritus, University of Texas Health Science System Houston
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer, Texas Heart Institute
  • Vice Chancellor, Houston Community College System
  • Board of Directors and Executive Committee, University of Saint Thomas
  • National Campaign Chairman, Development Corp of Israel (Israel Bonds)
  • Chairman of the Board, Petroflow Energy
  • Director, Petro River Oil
  • Director, Hyperdynamics Corp.
  • Director, Straight Path Communications, Inc.
  • Director, Prosperity Bank, Houston
  • Former Bankruptcy Trustee, AremisSoft Corp.
  • Former Co-Chief Restructuring Officer, TransMeridian Exploration Inc.

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