I am honored and grateful to stand as a candidate for AAPG president-elect. I want to foster the preeminence of AAPG in energy geoscience to serve our profession and society while maintaining the highest ethical standards of professional practice. These core purposes are as important today as they were when AAPG formed in 1917.

To continue to thrive, AAPG must convince a sometimes-skeptical public how our work fuels society and provides energy to those lacking access to it. We can enhance our ability to advance geoscience by strengthening relationships with sponsors and with sister societies. 

AAPG should build for the future by convening leadership events that consider AAPG strategy, leveraging the wisdom of current and former leaders, and cultivating future leaders. By aligning leadership throughout the organization I believe we can deliberately move AAPG in its chosen strategic direction.

Beyond achieving alignment, I can lead effectively because after 30 years in industry – as E&P geologist, oilfield service company technical communication expert and geological consultant for a U.S. subsidiary of a national energy company – I have an informed perspective on the global energy industry. My career has taken me from mid-sized, Dallas-based independent companies to the world’s largest oil fields – a fascinating progression both personally and geologically.

I have gained a deep understanding of AAPG governance and budget priorities through my previous service as AAPG Editor; AAPG appointee to the GeoScienceWorld board of directors; AAPG Member Society Representative to AGI; 2014 ACE technical program chair; and member of the GEO, IPTC, OTC and URTeC organizing committees. As a Trustee Associate of both the AAPG and SEG Foundations, and a Director of the SEG Foundation, I have been able to observe directly the important ways that AAPG helps our profession and the public through applied geoscience.

I have also identified ways we can improve AAPG through my service on several not-for-profit boards. One of the most important lessons is that not-for-profit organizations must match budgets with revenue to stay healthy. While AAPG is fortunate to have a “rainy day” fund, we cannot continue to dip into it every year.

I have the time and energy required and the strong support of my company for the challenging roles of president-elect and president. I am also enthusiastically motivated to give back to the organization that has given so much to me, and I have a strategic perspective that will help ensure a bright future for AAPG.

If elected, I will work to advance AAPG as a dynamic scientific and professional organization, attract and retain members, and engage the people and organizations who are most interested in energy geoscience.

I thank the Advisory Council for honoring me with selection as candidate and the Executive Committee for its approval, and I respectfully seek your support.