185: The current and future outlook for SEG and geophysics

SEG President Ken Tubman discusses the future outlook of SEG and applied geophysics. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Ken provides the latest information on the ongoing SEG transformation. He outlines how SEG could allow greater experimentation, the pros and cons of its current governance structure, and how members can best contribute to SEG's future. Ken shares some risks for SEG's transformation and why building a successful future for SEG matters to him. This episode not only matters for SEG members and stakeholders and the profession of applied geophysics but provides expertise and guidance for all membership-based organizations. In addition, this conversation provides practical advice and expert recommendations that could continue to support SEG and the field moving forward. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Read the President's Page: Vision for SEG by Ken Tubman (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41100668.1) * Read the President's Page: The transformation of SEG by Pete Cramer (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41110745.1) * Read the President's Page: A perspective from 'the future' by Samara Omar (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41120812.1) * Watch the latest from SEG on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SegOrg) BIOGRAPHY Ken Tubman is currently SEG President. He has been a member of SEG since 1979. Previously, he served on the SEG Board as a Director at Large from 2018 to 2020. He has volunteered with SEG in multiple ways, such as serving on committees and task forces, editing, and serving on the SEAM Board. He is also an SEG Foundation Trustee Associate. Tubman holds a Ph.D. in geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Massachusetts. He has spent more than 35 years in the energy industry. He currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of SAExploration, a leading seismic acquisition company. He has held senior positions within ConocoPhillips (including vice president geoscience and reservoir engineering, vice president subsurface), Veritas DGC (senior vice president Veritas Hampson Russell, vice president geoservices), and Marathon Oil (vice president technical innovation). He started his career with ARCO and has held various technical and management positions in the central functions and business units. A common thread though most of his career is his involvement in technology delivery and development. CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the "Contact Seismic Soundoff" box at https://seg.org/podcast. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.