At the end of her two year term, Stephanie Nwoko, Lead Reservoir Geologist/Geomodeler at Premier Oilfield Group, reflects on her role as an AAPG Executive Secretary.

'18 years ago, I recall arriving in the North Sea UK on the Claymore Platform operated by Talisman Energy as a Mudlogging Geologist; never in my wildest dreams could have imagined, I would be an AAPG Executive Secretary. In 2019, I was elected the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Executive Secretary – the first black woman to be on the executive committee (EC) but also the first black person on the executive committee.

This has been a tremendous experience as I had the pleasure working with a number of AAPG Presidents: indirectly with Denise Cox and directly with J. Michael Party, Rick Fritz and Gretchen Gillis. Also, I want to acknowledge John Kaldi and Richard Ball as they were a great support and provided guidance during my first year. I have learnt a lot serving on the committee in the most unprecedented times in the history of AAPG, which is tenacity. We have encountered some challenges such as COVID-19 pandemic, global oil and gas crisis and the social aspect – diversity & inclusion issues and had to make some difficult decisions. These factors could have financial and membership implications on AAPG long term.

As a member of the EC, one gets to see the big picture and understand AAPG not only as an organization that serves the people but also the business side of things. I am currently undertaking a Global Executive MBA which has put things into perspective in decision making, strategy and analyzing business problems!! During Fritz’s leadership, we had 3 strategic goals: focus on science and technology, membership growth and financial stability, which the EC is diligently working hard to achieve.

Reflecting on my term, my advice to members is to volunteer as much as you can especially if you don’t have the opportunity to be involved in leadership or managerial roles at your workplace. This has been a great experience for me and would say, finally, I had a sit at the table and a voice to be heard and could advocate to bring about change. AAPG still has some work to do when it comes to diversity & inclusion, nevertheless, is moving towards change in the right direction. I urge the AAPG members to keep on supporting the EC and the association and encourage change. As an association, we need to adapt with the times as the industry is now a global village and should be duly reflected in AAPG.

As I bow out, I hand over the baton to Jonathan P. Allen, PhD to continue the race on the much-needed changes within AAPG. I would like to wish Jon all the best and have a great 2-year term!!'

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Premier Oilfield Group