A Word from the Board

Marie Clavaud, 2nd Vice President - May 2025

My tenure as the 2nd Vice President of the Geophysical Society of Houston (GSH) comes to a close at the end of June. I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the events of the past year and share my thoughts on the future.

The role of the 2nd VP is central to fostering a sense of community among our members through social activities that complement the technical events organized by the Society. These gatherings are essential for promoting collaboration, camaraderie, and a supportive environment for all involved in geophysics and the energy sector.

This year, our social events were both diverse and well-attended. Signature events like the Golf Tournament, Fall Shooting event, and Fishing Tournament continue to be highlights of the calendar, eagerly anticipated by our members. In particular, the Golf Tournament, held at the beautiful Palmer Golf Course in The Woodlands on March 31st, was a resounding success, with over 100 golfers enjoying perfect weather. Our Pickleball Tournament also drew a promising crowd, and we are excited to make this event an annual tradition moving forward.

Our strong sense of community is rooted not only in our shared passion for geophysics and the energy industry, but also in the personal connections we build through these social activities. As we look to the future, these relationships will be more important than ever, particularly as we face challenging times in the industry.

The success of this year’s events was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. However, it is clear that since the pandemic, sponsorships for social events have been on the decline. When the industry shifts into “cost-saving mode,” community-focused activities are often the first to be cut, and social events become limited. To ensure these important gatherings continue, we must explore creative strategies to make them sustainable and profitable. This will not only support the Society’s ongoing initiatives but will also help to maintain a vibrant, inclusive community where our members can connect and thrive.

As we move forward, it is crucial that we prioritize creating a dynamic and supportive environment for our members, one that continues to attract students and young professionals to our field. The strength of the GSH will depend on the bonds we nurture today to ensure the Society’s future in an industry that plays such a pivotal role in modern society.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Board of the Geophysical Society of Houston, and I look forward to collaborating with the new board and supporting their initiatives in the year ahead.