After many attempts at an initial gathering, this section of SPE finally had its first ELP meeting. Drawing from local E&P and service companies, the first meeting was a social gathering for the Pittsburgh/West Virginia football game. Further meetings are planned monthly throughout the winter, with an emphasis placed on recruiting new members and increasing attendance. The local SPE chapter has seen value in this program, creating the new position of Area ELP Coordinator. Derek Waits of Petroleum Development Corp. has been named to fill this role and will be overseeing growth of the program, which will focus on professional development and mentorship activities.
—Michael Kraynek, Halliburton