MMS presented the Offshore Leadership Awards to 13 outstanding individuals whose exceptional performance has raised the bar for safety achievement, improved environmental protection, enhanced resource recovery and conservation, or inspired innovation and outstanding performance by others.

The following OLA recipients were recognized at the Offshore Technology Conference luncheon in Houston, Texas, on May 7, 2009:

	Wayne Broussard, PSN/Grasso, for the effective use of his outstanding “Now You Know” newsletter to improve safety and environmental performance.
A.J. Guiteau, Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., for providing valuable insight into the “science” associated with proper test development, proper test formulation, and accepted test analysis techniques for well control and production safety training programs.
	George Hagerman, Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute, for demonstrating outstanding dedication to the emerging renewable energy program by providing comprehensive, accurate, valuable, and educational information on offshore alternative energy technologies.
Ann Jochens, Texas A&M University, for demonstrating exceptional leadership and a pro-active approach in bringing Federal agencies together to obtain and compile information about the biology and behavior of whales.
	Paul Landry, Apache Corporation, for excellent leadership and outstanding dedication in developing training programs to promote safe operations and regulatory compliance on offshore platforms.
Darryl Luoma, BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., for outstanding leadership in the innovative and visionary approach to developing the use of extended-reach drilling technology for the Liberty Development Project.
	Harlan King (not pictured); Virgil Russell, BP America, Inc.; and Al Gonsoulin, Petroleum Helicopter, Inc., for their outstanding dedication and leadership in promoting improved medical care and evacuation capabilities for offshore facilities.
William “Billy” Poe, Explosive Service International; Chris Brooks, Merit Energy Company; Alan Romine, and John Seeger, InterACT PMTI; for outstanding commitment and dedication to better understanding the extent and impact of ocean noise on the OCS.