By DAVID G. CAMPBELL

Being asked to be a candidate for AAPG president is a singular honor, which I accept with great humility. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to continue to serve this pre-eminent geoscientific organization that has provided so many benefits throughout my career as a petroleum geologist.

Through myriad seminars, publications, committee activities and the exchange of ideas with other members of the association, I have become increasingly aware of the multifaceted role of the AAPG in serving a global scientific constituency, and of its vital importance to our profession and related societies.

As a result of the strong, persistent influence of "volunteerism" among my AAPG peers, I've had the great fortune to serve on the Executive Committee as chairman of the House of Delegates; Mid-continent representative on the Advisory Council; Mid-continent councilor to the EMD; and again on the Executive Committee as vice president. This was followed by chairing several committees, including the standing Committee on Committees, of which I remain a member. In addition to being a Trustee Associate, I am currently serving a five-year term as a corporate member of the AAPG Foundation.

This broad spectrum of AAPG participation throughout my career has afforded me the opportunity to observe the dynamism and diversity of this superlative scientific and professional community known as the AAPG.

  Dynamic, because it is in a continuing state of evolution in which a volatile but generally increasing worldwide demand for various forms of energy must be tempered by requisite stewardship of the environment. This is further impacted by the changing needs of all members of AAPG in an era of rapid technological advances, changing corporate structure and a fluctuating job market.

  Diverse, because the association continues to augment its representation and responsibilities within a sphere of expanding international membership and involvement in new energy sources; and to reach out to other geoscientific groups in a synergistic effort to attain common objectives.

In my opinion, the continuing success of the AAPG is the result of the effective leadership of our elected officers and dedicated committee members (a.k.a. volunteers) working in concert with a professional, highly-motivated staff to achieve the goals that benefit every member, regardless of his or her scientific or professional specialization.

By the same token, the dynamism and the diversity cited above require frequent reviews of policies and procedures to ensure that the AAPG is not only cognizant of, but responsive to the needs of its members. Toward that end, I look forward to meeting the members as we officer candidates attend the scheduled AAPG Section meetings in the ensuing months.

Indeed, I enthusiastically accept the challenge, and consider this nomination to be a unique opportunity to give back in some measure to the organization that has contributed so much to my professional career and scientific training.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, I shall forever hold the AAPG in the highest esteem - its membership includes some of the greatest men and women with whom I could ever hope to be associated.