I accepted the invitation to contend for the position of president-elect of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists because I’ve been a member of AAPG since 1969, when I joined the organization as an undergrad student at Texas Tech University and where I was mentored by three AAPG past presidents – Grover Murray, who was the school president, Frank Conselman and Orlo Childs – and by my father, Eduardo J. Guzmàn, who in 1967 had been AAPG vice president, which made me aware of how important it was to serve the organization from its highest position.

I owe to AAPG a very large part of my professional development acquired through its schools, field courses, conferences, publications, committees, personal contacts, etc., and I want to give back to the organization a little of what it has given me, now that I have the time to commit for the several years that the position requires.

After having spent more than 40 years in industry doing research, exploring, managing, holding executive positions, as an industry regulator and as a consultant, I have the experience and skills needed for the organization’s top executive position.

AAPG is in the process of becoming a truly worldwide organization, and as an international member I have the background and understanding of the issues that can help move the organization in its globalization process. I also understand the challenges regarding the organization’s demographics and can help improve the status, particularly regarding age distribution, participation of women and students, etc.

With my 44 years experience in AAPG I have a keen understanding of the organization, I know the membership and have very good working and personal relations with the leaders of the Regions, the Divisions and Sections. During my tenures as president of the Latin America Region, vice president-Regions and chair of the Cancùn AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, I met and worked close with many of AAPG’s headquarters staff. I know the organization’s programs, I have a good understanding of its financial issues, and of the multiple challenges it will be facing and I have ideas on how to improve our bottom line.

In conclusion I have the necessary attributes and leadership skills required to preside succesfully over the world class organization that is the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.