Hello, members of the Division of Professional Affairs and of AAPG. I hope this finds you relaxed and well as we transition past the autumnal equinox into fall. This summer was incredible – getting back to “normal” after two years of the pandemic. One of my highlights was the August IMAGE ’22 convention in Houston, which brought the best of AAPG and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists together, and more importantly, brought our profession back together. The buzz, energy and excitement were palpable, from the Opening Session and socializing in the Exhibit Hall, to the technical sessions and speakers with diverse and exciting panels, U-Pitch Technology Showcase and all the social receptions. It felt really good to be back.
DPA kicked off the week with the AAPG Divisions Reception on Sunday, including live music to set the right atmosphere and vibe. It was almost surreal to catch up with so many friends and colleagues in person, made even more special by the opportunity to meet and mingle with students and new and potential members. DPA was also proud to sponsor the AAPG Discovery Thinking Forum and to host a sold-out luncheon. It was a fantastic week. I’d like to thank everyone who had a part in organizing the meeting.
It’s also my great pleasure to welcome three DPA members to the DPA Executive Committee after our recent election. Please join me in congratulating Bruce Falkenstein, president-elect; Jon Brenizer, vice president; and Mohit Khanna, treasurer. These gentlemen join me, Secretary Judy Schulenberg and past President Don Burdick to complete our DPA leadership team.
Upcoming DPA Events
In my first column, I discussed some of the challenges facing our industry, AAPG, and DPA and introduced my theme for my term: “Renew and Engage.” I’m pleased to hear this resonated with so many of you and look forward to sharing the latest plans for the coming months. We are committed to deliver programs that appeal to our members, entice new members and reconnect our community.
Some upcoming virtual learning events are among such programs:
- Continuation of our Great Debate and Moneymakers series: our first webinar is being finalized for November.
- DPA and the Division of Environmental Geosciences will hold “Orphan Wells Part 2: How to Plug and Abandon an Orphan Well, plus Government Incentive Programs,” on Nov. 2.
- Continuing Education: The recent Ethics courses were recorded and will be made available online. New Petroleum Reserves and Resources Management System courses are also being planned with the JCORET subcommittee of AAPG.
- Certification: DPA will revive the board certification process to provide a more substantive review and global recognition that will utilize an exam-based methodology.
- Professional well-being: One of our mission statements is to improve the professional well-being of AAPG members. In the spirit of “Renew and Engage,” we’re considering topical items related to our current ways of working, such as virtual teaming, work-life balance, managing stress and avoiding burnout, among others that will be of interest to members.
Look for more information about all of these events and in email notifications and social media.
Our Need, Your Opportunity
One way in which DPA can use your help is that we need enthusiastic members to step up to represent the AAPG sections and regions as councilors of DPA, and to refill our committees. Shortly after my term began, I learned that all councilor roles ended on June 30 this year, rather than the staggered terms outlined in our Bylaws. Some councilors have chosen to continue, for which I’m grateful, however we have many openings across all sections and regions at this time.
Becoming a DPA councilor is a great opportunity to bolster your own career development and to have a say in how DPA operates.
Councilors help to conduct the business of DPA as voting members of the DPA Council. Each section or region with one or more members is allowed one councilor, and every additional 200 DPA resident members counts towards another councilor role for that section or region. The Council meets twice annually and terms are three years.
And, becoming a DPA councilor is a great opportunity to bolster your own career development and to have a say in how DPA operates.
“Joining the DPA was an essential part of my resume, and I believe it should be part of any professional geoscientist’s resume,” said Falkenstein. “I had just left a 20-year career with BP Amoco and was starting on a career of consulting and small company startups. My certification was highly valued by my clients, by the executive management, board members and the financial institutions I found myself working with … Being a DPA member is like joining an elite geoscience community of like-minded professionals with common interests, which include all the past, current and future leaders of the AAPG and our industry.”
Standing Committees with the most vacancies include some of our most important roles, including Certification, Governmental Affairs, Continuing Education/PRMS, Bylaws, Convention Committee and Website/Social Media.
Are you willing to lean in and help us renew and engage DPA this year?
Please express your interest via the email at the end of the article or contacting any of our Executive Committee members. Thank you for your consideration.
At the convention, I spoke with many of you regarding DPA, the value it provides its members and what content you are seeking to grow your career and profession. I appreciate all who shared your views so far, and invite you to share your personal and professional interests: what would you like to see from DPA? I also welcome you to write to share why you’re a member of DPA and how DPA benefits your career. I can be reached at [email protected]. Also, visit AAPG.org/divisions/DPA for more information about the Division. I look forward to hearing from you.