Why I Accepted the Invitation to be a Candidate for an AAPG Office
By Charles A. Sternbach

Thank you to the nominating committee for asking me to stand for AAPG president-elect. Creating programs that benefit AAPG members has been the most satisfying work of my life. Members associate me with successful technical programs including: the “Legends in Wildcatting” series started at the Houston Geological Society, Discovery Thinking sessions at AAPG conventions, and recently, the new Playmaker series of popular one-day conferences sponsored by AAPG/DPA. I have enjoyed working alongside dedicated volunteers and headquarters staff, encouraging AAPG members to celebrate their successes in print and at podium, and presiding over standing room only events that have inspired me and fellow AAPG members.

I am deeply thankful for lifelong opportunities to guide AAPG in executive leadership roles: president of the Houston Geological Society (1999-2000), president of the Gulf Coast Section (2014-15), president of AAPG’s Division of Professional Affairs (2011-12), general chair of ACE 2006 and chair of Discovery Thinking and Playmaker forums at annual ACE and ICE meetings. In each position, I’ve worked in a positive way to create programs with a legacy and to communicate them broadly. For example, tens of thousands of geologists have viewed Discovery Thinking presentations through Search and Discovery and AAPG’s website. That is my track record.

Michel T. Halbouty, Marlan Downey and Robbie Gries have been valued friends and role models. Jim Gibbs organized an AAPG event on legendary explorers (1997) that changed my life. I am forever grateful to them for inspiring my personal motto, “Perfecting the search, delivering on promises.” Delivering relevant science to help members discover and produce energy in a professional manner must remain a top priority in our second century. By organizing Discovery Thinking and Playmaker forums, I learned that successful role models can help us perfect our craft and mentor a new generation of much needed oil finders. I believe we should continue and expand programs featuring case studies, discoveries and role models.

By changing roles throughout my career I have learned various energy professional points of view: writing research grants (for my doctorate), the perspective from a global multinational oil company (Shell), the mindset of an independent exploration manager (JOG), and the skills required to generate prospects and manage the business of my own company (as president of Star Creek Energy). As an active explorer and producer around the globe, I am focused on cutting-edge tools and services AAPG members need to succeed. I see great opportunities for the Internet and modern technology to help fulfill AAPG’s mission and strategic plan.

We face an exciting future of challenges, frontiers and opportunities. I believe one of the reasons the nominating committee asked me to stand for office now is my role as the founding chair (2003-10) and long-term member of AAPG’s 100th Anniversary Committee. I am keenly aware that 2017-18 is a historical bridging moment. I would be proud to lead energized, diverse and talented teams to make AAPG an even better resource for its members. I ask for your support. Thank you.