First, I want to thank the membership for electing me president effective July 1. I will try to live up to the trust and confidence you have shown in me.
By way of introduction, even though I now have a new title with AAPG, I am keeping my “day job.” I have worked the past 28 years as a prospector and developer of (sometimes-elusive) hydrocarbons. I am an end-user of many of the products and services offered by AAPG.
Since 1998 I have been vice president of exploration for Abraxas Petroleum Corp., a San Antonio-based, publicly traded E&P company. I thank Abraxas for generously allowing me to serve as president, and I hope other companies also will realize the long-term benefits of professional contribution and allow their employees to serve AAPG or other societies.
On behalf of the 2006-07 Executive Committee (EC), we thank the outgoing members from the past year:
- Pete Rose was a most active and engaged president. He did not shrink from any challenge. As committee members and members-at-large suggested concerns to Pete, he addressed those concerns by appointing committees, consulting the EC and, finally, gaining EC decisions. He put much heart and soul into the job to improve the organization for its members. Pete, you succeeded.
Pete took me under his tutelage and prepared me for my upcoming year. I intend to do the same for our new president-elect, Will Green. At least Will may not have to constantly answer the question, “Did he play baseball?”
- Steve Veal served as our globetrotting vice president. He provided much needed global perspective, started a new student initiative (Barrel Award) and set up our new London office.
- Clint Moore, treasurer, initiated a new budget process and exhibited greater budget control and reporting than any treasurer (including myself) in recent memory. He seemed to enjoy taking care of the Association’s money.
- Don Clarke had one of the busiest years as chairman of the House of Delegates (HoD) and member of EC. He guided the legislation creating the VP/Regions and VP/Sections through the HoD.
Over the past two years, the EC has instituted numerous changes that have required the AAPG staff to adjust their workflow to the new programs and services. In fairness to our staff, they need time to “catch their breath.”
Consequently, I see this coming year as one of execution of AAPG’s existing plan.
On paper, we have outstanding goods and services, but we can improve our execution. Vince Lombardi was a famous football (not soccer) coach of the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s. He would not let his team learn new plays until they perfected the old ones. Consequently, their offense was simple, almost predictable – but they became champions because they executed the plays so well.
Not a bad model for us to follow this coming year. The broad goals for the EC for this coming year are:
- Guide headquarters staff, including an operational review of business directorate.
- Review mission statements, leadership and execution for all committees. Monitor progress and redirect, as needed.
- Improve and expand services and products to members by adding Distinguished Instructor; establishing committee to solicit E&P Notes for BULLETIN; increasing educational offerings; and considering some of the swell ideas that come from members and committees.
- Prepare AAPG corporate structure for global expansion, including international offices, as warranted.
- Increase ACTIVE membership (see below).
- Increase student awareness of careers in geosciences, especially in the energy industry.
- Have fun interacting with staff and members.
Now you know generally what to expect from your EC leadership. What do we expect from you the members? AAPG needs more ACTIVE members. The following are some actions each of you can take to be an ACTIVE member:
- If you are an Associate member but qualify for Active status, upgrade your membership.
- Supplement your membership by joining one of our divisions: DPA, EMD and DEG.
- If you are a DPA member, respond to GEO-DC’s Action Alerts.
- Recruit one new AAPG member. (They can apply online at www.aapg.org.)
- Join an AAPG committee and actively contribute.
- AAPG’s Web site has a list of committees, their mission statements and chairpersons. Contact the chair and ask to be a member.
- Plan to attend the Annual Convention in Long Beach, Calif., next April and/or the International Conference in Perth, Australia, this coming November.
- Treat yourself to field seminars, short courses or educational conferences.
- Present an oral or poster paper at a convention; teach a short course; submit a BULLETIN or Special Publication article; become an associate editor of the BULLETIN; or make another technical contribution.
Petroleum Geologists have a vital role in supplying the world with one of life’s critical ingredients, energy. And I firmly believe that Petroleum Geologists are more effective when they are ACTIVE members of a professional association like AAPG. So please join us.
Till next month,