From the President
C. Susan Howes, 2027 SPE President
C. Susan Howes is president at Subsurface Consultants & Associates LLC (SCA) leading the firm’s consulting, recruitment, and training services. She holds a BS degree in petroleum engineering (PGE) from the UT and was named a 2024 PGE Distinguished Alumna.
SPE President in the News
Journal of Petroleum Technology
Technical Sections—SPE’s Hidden Gem
01 November 2026
Technical sections offer SPE members a powerful way to learn, share, connect, and grow. From webinars and awards to student programs and global networking, these communities provide opportunities to build technical expertise and lasting professional relationships. Discover why they may be one of SPE’s most valuable member benefits.
SPE Focuses on Exploring New Horizons With Innovative Solutions at its Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition
27 October 2026
Nearly 4,500 energy professionals from 57 countries gathered in Houston for SPE’s Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE), where more than 150 exhibitors and hundreds of technical papers highlighted the latest advances shaping the future of oil and gas.
Agellus Tank Robotics Wins Best in Show at SPE Energy Startup Village Competition
23 October 2026
The Houston-based developer of AI-powered submersible robotics earned the Best in Show Award and a $10,000 prize.
Make the Most of ATCE 2026: A Strategic Investment in Your Career and Organization
01 October 2026
Get more from ATCE 2026 with a strategic plan for learning, networking, technology scouting, and career growth. Susan Howes shares how to maximize the value of SPE's premier annual event.
Shaping the Future of Subsurface Energy: A Preview and Call for Member Input on SPE’s Draft Strategic Plan
17 September 2026
The SPE Board of Directors is developing an updated strategic plan to position the Society for the future of subsurface energy. Before the plan is finalized, members are invited to review the draft vision, mission, and strategic objectives and provide input on the roadmap that will guide SPE’s next phase of growth and impact.
Q&A With 2027 SPE President C. Susan Howes: Learn. Share. Connect. Grow.
01 September 2026
2027 SPE President C. Susan Howes discusses her vision for SPE, highlighting the Society’s role in professional growth and the development of future energy leaders. In this JPT interview, she explains why investing in people is key to the future of the energy industry.
Q&A With 2027 SPE President C. Susan Howes: Learn. Share. Connect. Grow.
September 2026
C. Susan Howes begins her 2027 SPE presidency with a focus on strengthening the Society’s role as the energy industry’s leading source of technical excellence while advancing professional development and member engagement across its global community.
Guided by the theme “Learn. Share. Connect. Grow.,” she is focused on helping members build rewarding careers while strengthening SPE for the future. In this interview with JPT, she discusses her goals for the Society and the importance of cultivating talent across the energy industry.
Listen to the podcast in the embedded player above, or read the full transcript on JPT.
About C. Susan Howes
C. Susan Howes, PE, PHR, 2027 SPE President, is president at Subsurface Consultants & Associates LLC (SCA) leading the firm’s consulting, recruitment, and training services with a commitment to technical excellence. Howes’ prior experience includes roles of increasing responsibility at Anadarko and Chevron in reservoir engineering, business development, corporate engineering, HR, organizational capability, and reservoir management. She is recognized as an industry leader in petro-technical talent attraction, development, and retention. She has coauthored papers and articles on the topics of ethics, uncertainty management, risk management, and talent management.
Howes chaired the 2024 Program Committee for SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE), received the SPE DeGolyer Distinguished Service Medal, is an Honorary Member of SPE, and served as a 2019–2020 SPE Distinguished Lecturer. She is a member of the Advisory Council at the Jackson School of Geoscience at the University of Texas (UT). Howes holds a BS degree in petroleum engineering (PGE) from the UT and was named a 2024 PGE Distinguished Alumna.