Why I Accepted the Invitation to be a Candidate for an AAPG Office
By Barry J. Katz

It is a great honor to stand for Elected Editor. But there needs to be more. There are three reasons for my willingness: (1) Personal responsibility. (2) An interest in our science. (3) The ability to get the job done.

Throughout my 36-year career, I have been provided with many opportunities for technical growth, the ability to study geology around the globe and meet a diverse group of individuals. So when asked to give back, the answer is yes. I feel that it is my responsibility, if not an obligation.

I also believe that there is another responsibility – knowledge transfer. Geologists are like fine wine, improving with age and exposure. So it becomes important to pass this knowledge along. The Bulletin is one way to accomplish this, and the editor helps steer this process. The editor also acts as a mentor nurturing manuscripts, helping authors improve their connection with the reader. Knowing that I have helped an author grow is particularly satisfying.

When I started graduate school and I sat down with my adviser at the University of Miami, I was concerned that all of the meaningful questions were answered and that there would be little meaningful to work on. More than four decades later I realize that not only don’t we have all of the answers, but we are still attempting to define the questions. With this perspective I read a great deal, particularly the “new” science. The editor’s role provides an opportunity to quench this thirst. I believe that a good day in the office is when I go home knowing a little more than when I arrived.

AAPG is both a professional and scientific organization. It is my view that the Elected Editor is the Association’s “chief science officer.” This requires technical breadth and depth. Although a geochemist, my training and activities have been diverse; having worked integrated projects on six continents. In addition, this role requires the ability to communicate geologic concepts to those working in the field and to those outside of our profession, including decision makers and students. Throughout my career I have a long list of well-received presentations and publications, including a series of AAPG Distinguished Lectures.

The second component is technical and business. I have been involved with AAPG publications as reviewer, associate editor and senior associate editor for the Bulletin, as well as compilation editor for four books. In addition, I serve or have served on five editorial boards and as a reviewer for more than a dozen journals. I believe this experience qualifies me on the technical side. On the business side, corporate responsibilities and leadership roles in various professional organizations have provided me with the necessary skills and background.

In summary, I accepted the nomination because of a feeling of obligation to the future; an interest in the science; having the necessary technical and management skills; and an interest to continue the tradition of prior editors ensuring the quality of literature to the membership.