In 1994, my master’s thesis was complete and saved on a 3.5-inch floppy disk and Amazon sold its first book. That’s also the year I joined the AAPG. My member card arrived by mail – an actual, physical card, and I kept it safely stored in my desk drawer.
Some of you reading this might have been in grade school at the time, or not even born yet. Others of you had been in the profession for 20 years and were transitioning from sliding and interpreting paper logs to learning geoscience interpretation software. Yet, here we all are – each of us part of the same professional community. The world has changed dramatically since then and so has the AAPG. But one thing hasn’t: the value of community, connection and shared knowledge in this field.
I joined the American Association of Petroleum Geologists to gain access to professional references. Over the years, I found tremendous value in AAPG’s training programs, conferences and career support. As my career progressed, so did my engagement, from member to speaker to panelist. I expanded my professional community by joining the Houston Geological Society and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. I also found the Gulf Coast Section events especially impactful. These professional societies have shaped my career journey, offering both opportunity and a sense of belonging.
Why I Stepped Into This Role
During the interview process to become executive director, the Search Committee asked two memorable questions. The first was: Why do I want to serve as the executive director? The second was: What is your vision for AAPG?
The reason I want to serve is because I feel that the job description and the state of AAPG called me. I know that sounds corny, but I feel my experience and skills align with the needs of the organization.
The Executive Committee noted that the financial health, declining membership and divergent views among AAPG members call for someone with organizational turnaround experience and a steadying influence. These capabilities are some of the arrows in my quiver. Additionally, I want to give back to my professional discipline.
The second question about a vision was a tougher question to answer. There is a lot about AAPG and the situations described above that I need to better understand before a compelling vision can be developed and articulated. Candidly, I also need to listen to you before we align around a vision that will position AAPG for future success. I did promise the Executive Committee, however, that I am committed to AAPG having a compelling value proposition for all stakeholders. I want our members, academic collaborators, industry partners and donors to understand that they are our priority and that we are going to continue to provide them with the resources they need to be successful.
Why Membership Matters
The phrase “membership value proposition” elicited several responses from the Search Committee. We talked about AAPG’s mission statement, which is focused on advancing the science of geology, promoting technology, fostering the spirit of scientific research, disseminating information, upholding professional conduct standards, providing training for public qualification validation and making advancements for the professional well-being of AAPG’s members.
To which I responded: But why would this mission make me want to be and remain a member? What is in it for me?
Stories That Matter
Jeff Aldrich, our Search Committee chair and chairman of the Board for Datapages, shared a story from one of his first AAPG events. Nahum Schneidermann, an industry leader and the technical chair of the San Francisco Annual Convention and Exhibition, welcomed him to the event, introduced him around the room and then stayed connected with him throughout his career as a mentor. That first-event moment had a lasting professional impact on Jeff, and it all started because of AAPG.
Sarah Barnes, our Executive Committee secretary, shared a more recent example. She encouraged a new hire to join AAPG to build their network. A year later, the employee said they had dropped their membership because they didn’t see the value. It was disappointing, but it confirmed something important: we must do a better job delivering and communicating the benefits of membership.
We’d love to hear your story, too. Whether you joined last year or decades ago, tell us what made AAPG meaningful to you. Your story might help shape the next generation of members. Share them to [email protected].
Gathering Perspectives
In my first few days as executive director, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with members, donors, industry partners, and volunteer leaders of the society to understand more about their expectations. I have also met with employees, executives of sibling professional societies and civic leaders. These conversations have been both energizing and humbling to learn what AAPG means to so many.
What AAPG means to our stakeholders seems to vary from person to person. Preliminarily, the following appear to be key drivers in our persuasive membership value proposition.
- Industry insights: Exclusive access to research, reports and publications that keep members informed
- Networking opportunities: Connections with peers, experts and collaborators
- Professional development: Access to education, training and certification programs
- Leadership development: Opportunities to take on leadership roles in the society to build skills for professional advancement
- Access to resources: Tools, templates and other resources members can use to improve their work
- Community: A sense of belonging and camaraderie with like-minded professionals or affinity groups
- Advocacy: Representation of the profession’s interest at a local, national or international level
Additionally, the drivers of membership value appear to change along an individual’s career journey. For example, recent graduates might desire greater access to industry training early in their career and less so later in their career. Mid-career professionals might value leadership development opportunities via committee service only when they reach this stage of their career, And seasoned professionals might appreciate Division of Professional Affairs certification for expert witness purposes only once they have reached a subject matter level of expertise.
In 1994, I relied on a mailed member card and a printed journal to stay connected. Today, AAPG has the chance to connect in smarter, faster and more personalized ways. But that only works if we listen. I’m here to do just that. And, to lead us into our next chapter, guided by your stories, your needs, and our shared passion for the science and the people who power it.
I look forward to serving you as AAPG’s executive director.
Tom Wilker