DIVISON OF PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS OF AAPG BUSINESS PLAN FOR

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1 DIVISON OF PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS OF AAPG BUSINESS PLAN FOR DPA Executive Committee Daniel J. Tearpock President William T. Goff Vice President Martin Hewitt President - Elect Secretary Paul H. Pause Treasurer Dan A. Billman Past President Paul W. Britt MISSION & VISION WHO IS THE DPA? The Division of Professional Affairs (DPA) is the community within AAPG that focuses on the professional practice of energy resource geoscience, upholds the AAPG Code of Ethics, provides continuing education and certifies the credentials of geoscientists. As such, the DPA forms the inner core of AAPG that makes it a professional society and not just a scientific society. The Division is proud to form that core, and invites all AAPG members to join. The DPA community consists of geoscientists who are committed to standards of competence, to ethical behavior and professionalism these commitments are further expressed through certification. The community comes together to improve members knowledge of issues affecting the practice of our profession. The DPA comes together to guide all AAPG members and to improve their knowledge and professional practice as well. DPA members must actively keep informed and inform AAPG members about the externalities that impact our profession, particularly government legislation and regulatory policies. The DPA represents our profession by

2 engaging with lawmakers and regulators regarding matters of professional practices, issues and concerns. The DPA is the community of networkers and shapers within AAPG. As networkers, division members hold to high standards of professional practice, and want to meet and do business with people with similar commitments. As shapers, division members want to build the profession into a better place, to improve the overall standards of professional competence and ethical behavior, to expand our presence internationally and to represent our community of members in government affairs. The large number of AAPG Presidents over the years who have previously served in the DPA leadership is evidence of the DPA s importance in shaping and guiding the association. PRESENT REALITIES AAPG membership is currently some 38,044 members and growing; growth is primarily due to international members (currently 37% live outside the US this includes all classes of AAPG membership including students). Within AAPG, DPA membership is some 3,067 members. It is of particular interest to note that out of the 12,473 members of the AAPG who reside in the US (doesn t include students or associate members) some 2,791 are DPA members or in other words, 22.3% of the AAPG membership in the US are also DPA members. Our overall membership in the DPA appears to be on a gentle decline. Demographically, domestic AAPG and DPA membership is aging rapidly. The large flux of entrants, followed by a dearth of entrants, means that most of our population is in their 50s. (The earlier wave is mostly retired or passed on.) For DPA, recruiting the most abundant group is more difficult, as members are mature in their careers and may feel less need for certification and networking. DPA has traditionally been a US-dominated community. As professional practice and professional concerns are often shaped by the country of residence, a substantial amount of DPA activity is oriented towards Washington DC and towards the domestic industry (independents to majors). The DPA must, however, develop a greater international presence. After all, as with geology, Ethics and Professionalism does not stop at a country s border. A strong code of ethics and professionalism is a central component to international petroleum geoscience activities. With AAPG s international plans to establish regional offices and increased international activities, the DPA must be present to provide its support to the expanding AAPG membership. There is growth in students and newly-trained geoscientists in the AAPG. The AAPG is trying to help in career development and retention. To date, the DPA has not had a major role at this level. DPA Bylaws do include professional standards in training of geology majors as an essential purpose (Article I, section 7). However the DPA has not been very proactive in working with or recruiting young professionals. Many controversies surround governmental policy towards energy resource industries, including the role of energy in the economy and workforce, the DPA BUSINESS PLAN

3 need for access to public lands and the importance of federal oil and gas research and development, to name a few. Many proposed solutions, including increased taxation of those involved in oil and gas activities from the large to very small investor, and other negative actions that are frankly hostile towards traditional petroleum concerns may jeopardize the careers of petroleum geoscientists. On a positive side, however, is the potential for increased utilization of natural gas and new areas that will require geoscientist involvement, such as anthropogenic carbon sequestration. DPA members, as professional geoscientists, can have valuable input into ongoing policy debates. GOALS, TASKS, ACTION ITEMS AND IMPLEMENTATION Goal 1 An Expanded International Presence Ethics and Professionalism crosses all international borders. AAPG membership anywhere in the world should comply and adhere to the Code of Ethics, strive to improve overall standards of professional competence, and expand business networking. The DPA upholds those interests, and can help international members achieve certification, while expanding the presence of the DPA. o Task 1: In order to expand the international presence of the DPA, we are first making a DPA By-Laws change to obtain more representation internationally in the ranks of the DPA council. This change will allow the DPA to have at least one councilor and alternate in each of the six AAPG regions. We plan to work closely with the presidents of each region to help us define council candidates who possess a passion to promote the DPA within the various regions. In addition, we look to the regional presidents to provide us with their valued assistance to make this challenging goal a reality for the DPA and AAPG. We also plan to work with the International Regions Committee (IRC) that is currently co-chaired by Marty Hewitt and Peter Lloyd. Recently, the European Region appointed a new AAPG divisions liaison, Jeff Aldrich. I am confident that Jeff will provide invaluable assistance in supporting the DPA s international growth goal. Internationally the AAPG does not have regular Regional meetings as the Sections do in the United States, where AAPG members can meet DPA leadership and Councilors, learn about DPA activities and the importance of certification. There are currently few international DPA members and they are dispersed around the world. Therefore, growing our international representation to having a Councilor and Alternate in each Region will provide much greater exposure of the DPA to AAPG members. o Revise the Bylaws Completed o Appoint a DPA Councilor from each region. o Define regional activities in which the DPA can participate. Implementation: Leadership, Councilors, new International Councilors, HQ, IRC, Regional presidents and regional liaisons. DPA BUSINESS PLAN

4 o Task 2: We need to make sure we can properly review and approve overseas applications for certification. A plan will need to be drawn up by the Certification Committee to review these applications and provide assistance for sponsors. o Develop international Application plan o Evaluate and implement any Bylaws changes Implementation: Leadership, Certification Committee, Membership Committee, Bylaws Committee, International Councilors o Task 3: We need to consider our marketing plan, the worth of becoming a DPA member and the importance of Certification, in countries dominated either by registration (Canada) or by National Oil Companies and the relationship of DPA-AAPG to international geoscience societies. New power point presentations have been prepared, in addition to an update of DPA marketing material. This material needs to be provided to all the AAPG Regional presidents, as well as the newly elected international councilors and the Co-Chairs of AAPG s International Regions Committee (IRC). These materials should be used to provide short presentations to local societies in different countries around the world, promoting the legacy and value of the DPA. o Distribute DPA material to all people listed below under implementation. o Assist, where necessary to provide guidance in how to present the material. o Define events in which material can be presented Implementation: President, International Councilors, Leadership, IRC, Regional presidents and International liaisons o Task 4: As in the United States with AAPG Section meetings, ACE and ICE, the DPA must get involved with international regional meetings and international societies by offering ethics talks, seminars and short courses. The AAPG participates in a number of joint society meetings around the world. The DPA needs to begin participation in selective meetings as well, to promote the legacy, activities and benefits of the DPA. o Define international meetings for possible DPA participation. o Define DPA point person for each event o Define specific activities per appropriate event in which the DPA can participate. Implementation: AAPG EC, AAPG Convention Department, DPA EC, IRC, International Councilors, Regions presidents and Regional liaisons DPA BUSINESS PLAN

5 Goal 2: Overall Membership Every qualifying AAPG member should be a member of DPA! With DPA s two levels of certification and in particular the Board Certified designation that includes the requirement for continuing education, both levels of certification represent the gold standard in the professional practice as a geoscientist in the petroleum industry. The vast number of U.S. states that have enacted geoscientist licensure/registration laws exempt the professional practice of petroleum geoscientists and this is where the Division of Professional Affairs becomes the sole entity that provides for the verification of: 1) The applicant s required education requirements; 2) The applicant s applicable petroleum geoscience experience; and, 3) the applicant s demonstrated record of professionalism and adherence to the highest level of ethics the gold standard in the practice of petroleum geoscience. In order to accomplish the goal of adding to the DPA s domestic membership the following should be implemented in order to attract new members to into the division: o Task 1: We all need to look through our business contacts, and identify those who we believe should be Certified and make it happen! If all actively practicing CPGs targeted and brought in a new member, we could have a net increase of 1500 new members. However the reality of this actually occurring is low. However, it is clearly recognized that this type of approach continues to be a worthy endeavor. A goal was defined in that each Councilor, on a yearly basis during their tenure as Councilor, needs to recruit one or more new members. However, this goal has not been achieved. This business plan stresses the importance of this recruiting effort, particularly by each Councilor and Alternate, to make this a personal goal, each year. The DPA s Membership Committee proposed the implementation of Town Hall meetings and the DPA EC concurred. The first of these meetings was held in Midland, TX in A second Town Hall meeting was held in Oklahoma City in These Town Hall meetings can serve as local community meetings or similar events of a more networking format can be held as well. One Town Hall meeting each year does not provide enough recruiting activity to generate sufficient new membership. Perhaps other informal receptions can supplement the Town Hall meetings; this is a thought. Since Town Hall meetings have not been set up in sufficient numbers to impact DPA recruiting, we recommend that someone needs to be appointed to spearhead this effort. Since this is a membership recruiting effort, we recommend that the membership committee appoint someone who is the point person to organize annual Town Hall meetings. This person can work with councilors in each section where a meeting is proposed to define and organize the specific Town Hall meetings each year. Recommended target cities for are Houston, Denver and New Orleans. If the DPA does not get a greater participation in this effort, it will die a quick death. DPA BUSINESS PLAN

6 With the implementation of Councilor recruiting efforts and Town Hall meetings, we anticipate an increase in the overall DPA membership. o EC to define cities for the upcoming fiscal year Town Hall meetings. o Membership committee chair appoint a point person to spearhead this effort. o Point person define a councilor in each section to organize proposed Town Hall meetings, with other local DPA membership help. Implementation: Membership Committee, Leadership, Councilors, Alternates, membership o Task 2: The DPA Council needs to consider the wisdom of providing an Associate Membership as a vehicle for members not qualifying as a CPG to associate with our community, particularly young professionals. This might broaden our reach in both the United States and countries with national oil companies, or in heavily registration-oriented states and provinces. In addition, I believe that in order to accelerate our international membership, the DPA should consider an adjustment to the current dues structure for new international members from counties where individuals have relatively low incomes If the Council decides to institute one or both of these vehicles, appropriate Bylaws changes will be proposed and submitted to the Council for approval by the mid-year meeting. o Vote on an associate membership status. o Develop the requirements for the associate membership status. Bylaws change. o Solicit such members from the AAPG Young Professionals and international members. Implementation: Leadership, Councilors, Membership Committee, Bylaws Committee o Task 3: We should also target our new and developing young professional geoscientists with help on career development and professional guidance, in coordination with existing AAPG efforts. The leadership of DPA needs to develop a plan to reach, inform and serve this audience, with the goal of developing new memberships. The AAPG has a young Professionals Committee. We recommend that the DPA appoint a member of the membership committee to serve on this committee. This DPA representative can define the role of the DPA in their future career; send our career and informational pamphlets to new AAPG members and/or to student chapters. The DPA can participate in some way in young professional activities at the AAPG ACE, ICE, section and regional conferences, where applicable. Considering the current DPA demographics, we need to recruit more young professionals. Target 3 can DPA BUSINESS PLAN

7 work in conjunction with Target 2 for geoscientists who currently do not meet the requirements of a regular DPA member. Action Plans: o Appoint a DPA member to the AAPG Young Professionals Committee. o DPA member works with AAPG committee to plan assistance to the young professionals o DPA member disseminates material to the young professionals o If Associate membership is approved, Membership Committee works with the qualified young professionals to get them to apply for associate membership status. Implementation: Leadership, Council, Membership Committee, new appointed Young Professionals Committee member, and section members o Task 4: We receive members by reciprocity from SIPES, AIPG and the Chartered Geologists of GSL. DPA should establish a strong liaison with these organizations, co-sponsor events and programs and coordinate activities. o Appoint a liaison with the other societies. Implementation: Leadership, External Affairs Committee, Councilors o Task 5: The DPA website needs updating and revisions, as it is not current on certain areas. We need to have the Chair of the Website Committee review and update the website. In addition, the website needs to be maintained on a regular basis so it is current with DPA activities. o DPA Website Committee Chair needs to review the current website and define recommended changes, revisions and updates. o DPA Website Committee Chair works with AAPG IT to get the changes, revisions, etc. implemented and ensure that updates are done in a timely manner. Implementation: Website Committee Chair, Leadership, AAPG IT, DPA HQ staff Goal 3 - Gathering and Learning Services If the DPA is populated by networkers and shapers, the lack of venues for networking has been a problem. How can we provide more opportunities for DPA members to meet, to learn and to network? The DPA needs to develop networking receptions in DPA BUSINESS PLAN

8 the different sections and regions to promote networking with members and potential new members. The DPA should consider working with the Headquarters of AAPG, as well as the sections and regions to participate in any (Geoscience Technical Workshops) GTWs or other events in which the DPA can provide content to the program e.g. ethics, reserves and resources, other. These venues can broaden the base of DPA leadership, membership, provide value to our members and strengthen identification of the DPA with AAPG members. In regard to publications, the Correlator is our primary publication to keep our membership informed of DPA activities. The Correlator must continue to develop and publish content that is both interesting and informative to our membership. o Task 1: DPA members want to meet but have time constraints. The DPA Council should consider sponsoring a series of receptions and/or meetings in local communities with an energy geoscience presence, at which members and prospects can mingle. If approved, hold local receptions in three or four communities each year. Such local activities can be planned and executed in coordination with local SIPES and AIPG chapters and other society events, as appropriate. Various presentations can be made at these functions. DPA leadership can also give presentations on the legacy, activities and benefits of the DPA. Certain DPA leadership must be present at these events. o Define the types of receptions or networking sessions. o Define locations and times for such receptions or networking sessions. Implementation: Leadership, Councilors, Alternates, Membership Committee o Task 2: DPA must provide services to its members and to AAPG. The DPA must sponsor luncheons, seminars, panel discussions, forums, ethics talks and/or short courses at each National, International, Sectional, as well as Regional meetings co-sponsored by the AAPG, where appropriate. DPA leadership should be present at each meeting where a DPA activity is being sponsored. The DPA has had representation at many of the National, and Sectional meetings over the past few years. However, the DPA was not represented at some Sectional meetings in recent years with one or more of the DPA activities. These meetings provide an important venue for the DPA to gather with its Councilors and members, and offer a variety of continuing educational programs. Two things need to be developed by the DPA to ensure that the division is represented at all national, international and section conferences. First, the DPA needs to provide course and forum content, both live and online, that meets the needs of DPA members and potential members. The DPA BUSINESS PLAN

9 Continuing Education Committee, along with the leadership and Councilors need to develop a continuing education outline and list of short courses and identify speakers and topics that can be drawn on by event planners, DPA meeting representatives or instituted on the DPA website. Secondly, timing to get the DPA involved in these events has been a problem with regard to the DPA participating in these conferences. Many are planned well in advance of the event. With the DPA leadership rotating annually it makes it difficult to have any consistency in working with the conference organizers to ensure that the DPA is represented at each conference. The DPA Committee on Conventions does not have an actual Chair or members. Therefore the DPA needs to populate the Committee on Conventions with a Chair and one or two additional members who can take up this challenge of ensuring DPA participation in all of the conferences. The Chair should be a Councilor and the term should coincide with their term as Councilor and run for three years. The President-Elect, as defined in the Bylaws can help coordinate this effort. o Appoint a Chair and two members to the Committee on Conventions. o Generate a list of conferences (three years out) o Generate a list of continuing education talks, short courses, forums, etc that the DPA can offer at these events. o Committee Chair and members launch a campaign to get the DPA participation in all appropriate conferences. o Appoint a section and regional councilor as the point person to organize the DPA activity for each sectional and regional event. Implementation: President-Elect, Councilors, Continuing Education Committee, Committee on Conventions, DPA ICE, ACE and Sectional and Regional meeting representatives. o Task 3: The Reserves and Resources Committee is developing a training program of particular use to geoscientists doing reserves and resources evaluation through its affiliation with JCORET. The JCORET program, cooperatively supported by the AAPG, SPE, SPEE, WPC and potentially the SEG meets a key need in today s market. The RRC presented the first series of training courses in Working through JCORET, the committee can consider supporting Target 2 above by offering reserves and resources training courses for the DPA and AAPG membership. o Contribute a list of courses established by JCORET to the Education and Convention Committees. Implementation: Reserves and Resources Committee, Continuing Education Committee, Convention Committee DPA BUSINESS PLAN

10 o Task 4: The Correlator, our newsletter, is our primary publication and our ongoing forum for discussions on issues of professional practice and contemporary affairs. The Correlator is now being published quarterly and it contains news of DPA activities, commentary on professional affairs, and spirited discussion on topics of present interest and concern. The Publishing Committee and Editor of the Correlator must continue to develop a format of content that is both interesting and informative to the membership of the DPA. The DPA has a new Editor, Mr. Chandler Wilhelm. He is already moving forward with ideas to enhance the interest in and benefit of the Correlator to the DPA membership. o Define deadlines for publications. o Generate a list of potential contributing authors and topics for the upcoming fiscal year. o Reformat the layout and content of the Correlator. o Encourage all members to consider publishing in the Correlator. o Obtain Committee reports form the Standing Committees to publish in the Correlator to keep our membership informed. Implementation: Publications Committee, leadership, HQ, Standing Committee Chairs, membership * Goal 4 US Government Affairs To serve our American members (and the geoscience community overall), we must continue and expand our reach through the Government Affairs Committee and the GEO-DC office. Washington and all legislatures and parliaments need to hear from knowledgeable professionals. In the United States, DPA takes the lead for AAPG, which is the only organization that can speak for energy resource geoscientists. o Task 1: We will support the GEO-DC office in its activities. One way is to identify and prepare statements that bring our expertise and interest to bear on policy directions. The Government Affairs Committee will monitor the newly revised statements for potential revision, and will investigate new statements that are needed to guide GEO-DC. Input from all DPA members will be solicited. Status: Ongoing Implementation: Government Affairs Committee, GEO-DC, Membership o Task 2: We should continue to identify key issues where the input of energy resource geoscientists to emerging policy concerns is needed. DPA leadership should identify at least one target area to be studied, and strike an ad-hoc committee to study it. Possible areas are: public lands access (offshore OCS), resource base issues (peak oil), geoscience curriculum issues. DPA BUSINESS PLAN

11 Status: Ongoing, currently a position paper is being developed on public lands access (this is for onshore access). Geoscience curriculum issues need to be addressed, in both K-12 and university levels. Goal 5 Ad Hoc Long Range Planning Committee It is time to reconvene the Long Range Planning Committee to evaluate the success of the DPA in the past few years in meeting the goals established in compliance with long range plans. In addition, the committee should evaluate ideas for DPA goals and activities looking out perhaps to the next three years and to ensure that we are in alignment with the AAPG s goals and activities as well. o Task 1: Establish a Chair and members for the Long Range Planning Committee. This should be done as soon as possible. This will give the committee nearly 5 months to begin their work and have a preliminary report for the Mid-year meeting. The committee should complete their work by March, This will provide sufficient time for the current leadership to review and evaluate the committee s report, as well as provide the information to the incoming leadership to use in their next year s business plan. o Appoint a Chair for the Long Range Planning Committee. o Appoint two additional members to serve on the committee. o Provide the committee with the last Long Range Plan prepared and access to DPA materials. o Define a deadline for the committee report (March 2011). Implementation: Ad hoc Long Rang Planning Committee, Leadership, AAPG staff, Committee Chairs, Councilors. NOTE -- This business plan is a working document. The input of all DPA leadership, Council, Committee Chairs and membership into this plan can contribute to a focused, effective and achievable business plan for all DPA members. It needs to be updated for each fiscal year as the going forward plan for the DPA. DPA BUSINESS PLAN