Letter from the Chairman

Letter from the Chairman:

It is hard to believe that this is the last letter I will write for the 2009-2010 year.  This year has really gone by very quickly.  It has been a year of learning and experiencing new things.  I appreciate the section’s kindness in putting up with my shortcomings.

I would like to thank all of those who made this year go smoothly for me.  Of course, I want to thank the current officers who worked along side me this year.  Rich Davis, Programs Chair, did an outstanding job and made the monthly general meetings enjoyable.  Kim Hitt, Membership Chair, was terrific in keeping up with our membership numbers and contacting our new members.  Zack Carlisle, Activities Chair, was great with all of our fundraisers and kept us making money and entertained at the same time.  Earl Champagne, our Treasurer has been so faithful in handling our funds and helping us keep our “eye on the ball” so we could financially support the scholarships for our outstanding students.  Mark Johnson served as our Section Secretary and was very helpful in keeping our focus on matters at hand.  Of course, David Laperouse, Darrell Traugott, Ben Bienvenue, Scott Hou, Lee Coulon, Karen Lestelle, Dr. Ali Ghalambor, and Ben Daly were indispensible as well serving on various important committees and performing necessary tasks for our section.  Thanks to each of you.

This year has also had it’s sad times as well.  The recent passing of Dr. Chris Okoye in March has left a tremendous void in our section.  Dr. Okoye was very active in our section and will be greatly missed.  In his 25 years, he co-authored fourteen papers, served in numerous leadership positions, and was awarded a Regional Service Award in 2006.  Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

I will be announcing the new board members for the 2010-2011 session at this month’s general meeting.  These officers will begin service in June and will guide our section through the coming year.  I applaud our members who take leadership positions in our section and I look forward working with them.

Our last general meeting will feature a presentation by Allen Hook on “Oil and Gas Financing –Think Small”  This presentation deviates from our normal technical format but I think it will be very worthwhile for all of our members to get another perspective about what is required to finance “deals” in our business.  Please plan to attend.

As this month will end our general meeting session for 2009-2010, let me say thanks to our members for supporting our meetings with your attendance and supporting our fundraisers with your participation.  Our section is fortunate to have some of the best membership support in SPE.  Please continue to be involved in our section and continue the fine tradition of our organization.

I wish each one of you a safe and happy summer.  Have a great time and we will see you next September.

Greg Martin