The SPE Gulf Coast Section (GCS) recently celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Section’s 42nd Annual Awards Banquet. The banquet was one of the largest GCS events of the year, with nearly
400 in attendance to honor scholarship recipients, the newly selected 2005–06 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) Board, SPE Legion of Honor members (50 continuous years of SPE membership), and winners of various SPE section awards who were recognized for volunteerism.
James T. Hackett, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anadarko Petroleum Corp., delivered the keynote address, focusing on macro trends affecting the exploration and production business and what these trends mean for young professionals starting their careers. He offered advice on career and leadership development, provided insights on the ideal characteristics of high-performing employees, and reflected upon lessons learned that could be passed on to the future of the E&P industry.
This year’s awards banquet marked the first time ELP members played such a large role on the banquet planning committee. ELP member and Awards Banquet Committee Chairperson Janice Menke of Matador Resources led the effort. Fellow ELP members Rey Saludares of Anadarko, Suzanne Adams of Weatherford, Neil Decker of BP, Tommy Elkins of Cabot, and Jonathan Vacca of El Paso joined her in stepping beyond their typical responsibilities on the GCS ELP Board to take on this project.
The ELP also was well represented in the evening’s award presentations, with current and former ELP Board Members Menke, Anjali Prasad, and Randy Woods receiving honors. Current ELP member Menke received a GCS Service Award for her work in ELP international activities, serving on the Continuing Education Committee, and taking on the challenge of organizing the banquet. Prasad of the 2003–04 ELP Board received a GCS Service Award for her dedication and contributions to the Drilling Study Group and Membership Committee. Current GCS Board Member, Membership Committee Chair, and inaugural ELP Board Member Woods was named Young Engineer of the Year for his work in the GCS.
Susan Howes, Janice Menke, and Aaron Davis.
