![Saudi](https://energyworkforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Amb-Ratney-Group-Pic-edited.jpg)
This week, Energy Workforce & Technology Council President Molly Determan and President Tim Tarpley hosted U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney for a two-day visit in Houston. The Ambassador received briefings from Energy Workforce Member Company leadership and toured several facilities prior to departing for his post in Riyadh.
Given its role as the largest oil producer in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a critical market to understand and see how U.S. technologies and services are deployed throughout segments of the oil and gas industry.
Ratney’s visit included an industry briefing, facility tour and industry roundtable luncheon at HMH; a tour of drilling simulations, remote support technology and a manufacturing facility at NOV; a rig tour at H&P; a meeting with Lorenzo Simonelli, CEO, Baker Hughes; and an industry briefing with Chevron.
Energy Workforce Advisory Board Members and leaders of the International Programs Committee Elizabeth Stephens, HMH and Matthew Foder, Weatherford, led the planning of the visit to Houston.
As Chair and Vice Chair of the committee, Stephens and Foder also oversee the execution of the State Department Houston Energy Course. The course, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is held twice annually and provides an opportunity for the energy industry and government officials to come together, collaborate and learn from each other. The partnership between Energy Workforce and the U.S. State Department allows Energy Workforce to expand on its mission and support our government officials as they represent the United States abroad.
Energy Workforce also supports its members abroad through its two international chapters in the Middle East and Latin America. The Middle East Chapter maintains engagement in the region, as well as identifies opportunities for Energy Workforce to support region-specific issues and grow as a resource to the sector.
Energy Workforce thanks Member Companies Baker Hughes, Caterpillar, H&P, HMH and NOV, as well as Strategic Partner Chevron, for their leadership on this important visit.
Maria Suarez-Simmons, Senior Director Energy Policy, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.