To have been selected to run as candidate for president-elect is truly the greatest honor of my career. I am genuinely humbled to be considered for this remarkable opportunity to serve my fellow AAPG friends and colleagues.
The AAPG is an outstanding organization that serves many geoscience disciplines and practices across the globe. Contained within the AAPG’s membership is a broad breadth of knowledge and expertise that allows for the interdisciplinary exchange of technical information, as well as great fellowship, friendship and shared enthusiasm for our great profession.
When I accepted the nomination and made the election video that you will be able to view online, oil was at about $95 and had begun its almost unnoticeable slide. In January 2015, it is at $48/bbl, reminiscent in many ways of 1986, which I experienced, harshly, early in my career. Many of our members have not seen a downturn like this, and many more remember all-to-well the effects of one. These are the times that members look to the AAPG for any support it can offer, and I will advance any issues and ideas that can serve to help the members through.
As for my personal story, I began my career in 1978, joined AAPG in 1980 and have been actively involved with the Houston Geological Society since 1986 and SIPES since 1992. I have served AAPG in our House of Delegates since 1990 on committees and as DPA president after serving two terms on the DPA Council. As an independent geologist since 1992, I have looked to my professional societies, especially the AAPG, for technical support and training, professional networking, and most of all lifelong friendships and collegial fellowship.
For me, the AAPG is not only about the science but also about “advancing the professional well-being of the members,” from our mission statement. Indeed, “advancing the science of geology” is the first purpose in the mission statement. But most importantly, AAPG should be focused on helping YOU – the professional member through its vast array of resources. Helping you advance your career is arguably our most significant purpose. I pledge to foster products, services, conventions, publications and anything that will help you, first and foremost, to be the best geoscientist you can!
If elected as president-elect, I have a number of areas that I want to work with you in advancing:
- Member’s careers – by providing the best products and services that we can deliver, particularly focusing on member’s needs and career paths especially as they are affected by the present downturn in oil price.
- Promote opportunities for young professionals to serve and gain leadership positions within the organization.
- Continue to advance global growth and viability of the organization, while maintaining the Code of Ethics and the expectations of all of our members.
Lastly, during the term of this presidency it will be the centennial anniversary for AAPG. From its inception in 1917 to its upcoming centennial celebration in 2017 there have been many changes in the AAPG and in the industry; but the core purpose remains the same. It will truly be an honor beyond honors to serve as president during this milestone year. I’ve worked with many AAPG presidents these past decades, and feel I can take the best of every one of them and help build an even better AAPG. I give you my thanks and hopes for (at least) another great century of AAPG, and I will work hard for you, and with you, as members of AAPG.