I am honored to stand for the position of secretary on the AAPG Executive Committee, motivated by a lifelong commitment to service instilled in me by my parents. My father, a proud veteran and dedicated police officer, exemplified generosity, compassion and hard work. He came from humble beginnings and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. My mother, equally inspiring, balanced her career with countless volunteer hours, leading Girl Scouts and supporting our local church and schools. Growing up in this nurturing environment fostered my belief that investing time and energy into meaningful causes is essential. 

The satisfaction of helping others has become a source of energy and inspiration, reinforcing my view that giving back is both a responsibility and a joy. 

Since my graduate studies, I have actively contributed my time and resources to both local and global professional organizations, starting as AAPG Student Chapter president in 1997, followed by the committees and elected roles in the Houston and Pittsburgh geological societies and continuing with AAPG. I pride myself on being organized and possessing strong leadership and communication skills, all driven by a desire to leave the world better than I found it. 

My ongoing commitment to AAPG has seen me take on various leadership roles, including vice president and president of the Energy Minerals Division (EMD) and the Division of Professional Affairs (DPA). I also have served as an Advisory Council member and chaired several committees, including in the House of Delegates. 

Serving on the AAPG Executive Committee would be a privilege, and I approach the role of secretary with dedication and a profound sense of responsibility to the professional community I cherish. My organizational skills position me well to oversee meeting minutes, correspondence and communications, as well as to review non-technical publications. I thrive on fostering connections and inspiring action, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow EC members and committees to create an environment where ideas flourish and every member feels empowered to contribute for the future of AAPG. 

With 27 years in the industry – first at Hess, and 20-plus years at Shell – I have held various management, leadership and individual contributor roles. My experience includes strategy creation and implementation, working closely with senior leaders in Shell’s Upstream Exploration, Unconventional, and Deep-Water businesses, and engaging with and developing frontline staff. I have designed and facilitated global and regional exploration and asset development programs to achieve significant discoveries and bottom-line results. 

As a first-time candidate for the AAPG Executive Committee, I am confident in my ability to serve effectively as secretary. I am passionate about leveraging my experiences to give back to AAPG and support our members. 

Ultimately, my greatest satisfaction comes from being part of efforts larger than myself, helping to pave the way for those who will follow. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to AAPG’s future and to the success of our community.