Chairperson's message for October 2009
Message from the
chair. . .Dear Fellow SPE Members,
My name is Vanessa Marie Perez and I have the honor of representing the Los Angeles SPE section for the 2009-2010 year. I would first like to introduce myself and explain how I became involved in the oil and gas industry and SPE. I became an SPE member in 2003 when I was earning my Bachelors Degree in Geology and working as a student assistant in Bakersfield, California for the Division of Oil Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR). My summers were spent as an intern with the Department of Energy, Rocky Mountain Oilfield in Casper Wyoming and Schlumberger as a Field Engineer in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Upon graduation, I was hired in 2005 as an Energy & Mineral Resources Engineer for DOGGR where I witnessed and approved numerous tests and operations in the Los Angeles basin with regard to drilling, plugging, and abandonment of wells, inspections of onshore drill sites and offshore platforms. I also was involved with DOGGR’s Construction and Development Site Plan Program projects inspecting and testing abandoned oil wells in and around newly constructed buildings. After two years of service with DOGGR, I transferred to the State Lands Commission, Mineral Resources Management Division, where I review mineral extraction leases, permits, and agreements for mineral exploration and development.
In 2007, I was asked by the Los Angeles SPE board to take a vacancy as Director through 2009, and I gladly accepted. Last year, I was the Vice Chairperson and I continued my responsibilities for Community Outreach and on the committees for Scholarship and Science Fairs.
During my time as a board member, I have participated in the SPE Easter Egg Hunts, LA/Orange County Science Fairs, MESA Energy Day, Scholarship committee, and gave lectures to students through the Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA) program. I also volunteered for the Read-In Career Days at the International Elementary School in Long Beach. I enjoy volunteering and inspiring young students to become attracted to Science and Engineering and I will continue to do so as Chairperson.
My goals are to work hard to represent the members of LASPE as we move forward to a new and more challenging time. I think it is wonderful that we have a special relationship in our community and I will make sure it continues through my term. I urge our members to stay involved and urge everyone to introduce a colleague to the society. My goal is to continue our community involvement, increase our membership, and serve best the interests of our Section in all issues and concerns.
We are currently preparing to help host our 2010 SPE Western North American Regional Meeting (WRM). I want to thank Dr. Jalal Torobzabach for his leadership in accepting the position as meeting chairperson and Scott Hara for his productive energy and WRM experience to serve as meeting co-chairperson. We will keep you posted on the meeting’s progress and will need your support to help make this another successful WRM.
Again, I would like to thank Dr. Torobzabach for his leadership and for doing a great job as our LASPE Section Chairperson for the 2008-2009 year. I also look forward to working with our great staff and appreciate your support and confidence. See you at the monthly forum meetings.
Vanessa Perez
Chairperson 2009-2010 season