The Houston Geological Society is pleased to honor MIKE ERPENBECK with the Rising Star Award. Mike is Chair of the Office Committee and has helped keep our operations humming smoothly. This year that meant managing the challenge of a staff turnover. As the HGS office is an important link to the members, this is truly an essential component of our mission. So when one of our long-time volunteers stepped down, we were most fortunate to have someone of Mike’s capabilities step into this critical void. Mike has a B.S. from San Diego State and an M.S. from Texas Tech, both in geology, and an M.B.A. from the University of Houston. He has worked with Texas Oil and Gas, Pilgrim Exploration, Hemus Oil and Gas, Vantage Pipeline and UMC Petroleum. Currently he is Manager of U.S. E&P Services for Ziff Energy Group. For tackling this vital role in our organization and performing his duties with distinction, we congratulate Mike on this well-earned Rising Star Award. ROSEMARY LAIDACKER is recognized as a rising star within the HGS community. Ms. Laidacker holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Lamar University and a master of science degree in geology/geophysics from the University of Houston. She began her career with Amoco and Cities Service and is currently a consultant for Grand Gulf South Energy. She is a long-time member of the HGS and her love of the profession is echoed in her volunteerism. She has worked on various committees of the Society and is Chair of the Continuing Education committee. Since becoming chair, the committee has offered numerous timely and applicable short courses such as Mark Rowan’s Salt Tectonics and Dan Tearpock’s Subsurface Mapping courses. Rosemary enjoys being part of a team that puts together low-cost, quality seminars for the membership. It is with great pleasure that the HGS is honoring Rosemary with this award. SHANNON LEMKE has been a member of HGS since 2000 and serves the HGS through her involvement with the HGS Foundation (undergraduate scholarship program), in which she is a trustee. She is passionate about helping young geoscientists and has been a college recruiter for her employer as well as a mentor to several geology interns. Shannon graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2000 with a B.S. in geological engineering and entered industry as a geologist with Newfield Exploration. She worked with Newfield for ten year s in a variety of exploration and development roles — onshore Texas. Shannon is currently a senior geologist for Vitruvian Exploration, where she is active exploring for oil resource plays. KELLY LIMBAUGH has been with Global Geophysical Services for nearly three years, working in sales and marketing communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations from Stephen F. Austin State University. Kelly has been involved with HGS since 2008 and has participated in many events. In 2010 she volunteered to chair the Holiday Party and changed the theme and venue to provide a more casual, laid-back ambiance to a crazy time of year. The Holiday Ho Ho Hoedown was enjoyed by all and planning for the 2011 party has already begun. Kelly has four children and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. She enjoys reading, running, and relaxing with her family. BILL MASON has been an active volunteer for HGS since joining in 2000. He has been an outstanding and dedicated Chair of the Exhibits Committee. Bill has been extremely successful at organizing and recruiting volunteers and has made steady improvements to the professional “face” of the organization at numerous venues including NAPE and AAPG. This year, Bill was instrumental in organizing the committee’s effort to improve and modernize the HGS booth. As a result, the HGS has enjoyed increased interest and has attracted many new members. In celebration of his initiative and hard work, the HGS is pleased to honor him with the Rising Star Award. Bill is owner and operator of Mason Energy Services, an executive search firm specializing in the placement of geoscience and engineering professionals in the upstream petroleum industry. Bill began his career with Otis Engineering in the mid-1970s.