Letter from the Secretary/Editor
I have attended two House of Delegates’ breakfasts since the last issue of The Delegates’ Voice – the AAPG European Region Conference in Oslo, Norway in October, and the AAPG International Conference in Cape Town, South Africa in November.
These breakfasts had two objectives – get us out of bed early Monday morning (they start at 07:00) and gather all the HoD delegates at the conference and provide them a chance to meet, and express concerns or comments. HoD Chair, George Bole is usually present. AAPG Director, Rick Fritz, Sections and Regions Manager, Carol McGowen and AAPG President, Scott Tinker are also present if they are participating in the conference. This is an excellent opportunity for delegates to be heard in an informal, small gathering and experience that by voicing their concerns and giving comments, they are helping make AAPG a better association for the members. My suggestion is that you go to bed early on Sunday and show up at the Delegates’ Breakfast Monday morning at your next conference; it is worth it!
During the conference in Cape Town, AAPG President Scott Tinker walked around in the Exhibition Hall and talked to some of the exhibitors. By doing that, he showed AAPG’s appreciation of the exhibitors who contribute so much to the financial and technical success of the conferences. I heard positive comments about that from an exhibitor and I hope that the future presidents will make such a walk-about become a tradition. I want AAPG to be the best in all aspects!
In this issue of The Delegates’ Voice, you will find a contribution from Ms. Marilyn Taggi Cisar, who is the new Chair of the Credentials Committee. Mr. David Hawk and Mr. Terence G. O’Hare who are candidates for the HoD Chair-Elect position, and Mr. Patrick J. Gooding and Ms. Laura Zahm who are candidates for the HoD Secretary/Editor position. They are all presented in this issue.
From Sections and Regions, there are contributions from the President of Eastern Section, Mr. Dan Billman, and from the Africa Region, by President Mr. James K. Agbenorto, and Secretary/ Treasurer Ms. Adedoja Ojelabi. Ms. Ojelabi is also a HoD delegate. From the Europe Region, there is a contribution from Mr. Geir Lunde, the General Chair for the Oslo Conference. I thank them all for contributing to The Delegates’ Voice.
AWG (Association for Women Geoscientists) is an AAPG Associated Society, and the Past President, Ms. Jessica Moore Ali-Adeeb, is sending her greetings to the HoD Delegates in this issue. Jessica also serves on the AAPG PROWESS Committee.
AAPG’s internationalization is another issue that is in focus. I am sure that we will see more efforts to increase membership with more new programs for geoscientists who have difficulties taking advantage of AAPG services, which is particularly true in the international community.