Joe Hurt to retire from IADC

After more than 14 years with IADC and a career spanning 42 years, Joe Hurt, Vice President of IADC’s Onshore Division, will retire at the end of August. Mr Hurt began his career in 1974 with Noble Corp, working on land drilling rigs. He held a variety of other positions during his 25 years with Noble, including Corporate Training Director and Environmental Manager, before retiring in 1999 as worldwide Health, Safety and Environmental Manager.

During his tenure with Noble, he developed the company’s first in-depth training program and environmental manual and revised and updated HSE policies and procedures. He also served on numerous industry committees and API task groups to develop standards and recommended practices for drilling operations.

Before formally joining IADC in 2000, Mr Hurt served as chairman of the IADC Environmental Affairs Committee and was an active member of the Accident Prevention, Human Resources and Training committees.

“I was fortunate that my employer emphasized that their employees should be involved with IADC and that I had the opportunity to contribute to IADC’s involvement in making positive changes in our industry,” Mr Hurt said.

At IADC, Mr Hurt was responsible for meeting with various government agencies, providing comments to the docket and testifying at industry-related hearings. He oversaw the Health, Safety and Environment Committee, the Environmental Subcommittee, the Rig Moving Committee and the Underbalanced and Managed Pressure Drilling Committee.

“Over the course of his long career, Joe was known for working to ensure that the rigs he worked on were efficient and safe for his company and his workmates. He continued these efforts within IADC, but on a larger canvas. His work has enabled the drilling industry to make significant strides forward on safety and efficiency on behalf of rigs and drilling crews everywhere,” Stephen Colville, IADC President and CEO, said.

“I’m most proud of the fact that our industry has made great steps forward in their efforts to train people and develop in-depth health, safety and environmental programs,” Mr Hurt noted. “I may be retiring, but I hope to stay active in the industry because I feel that the drilling industry has given me so much over the course of my career, and I still feel I have more to give back. Working at IADC was the perfect opportunity to share my knowledge with the industry, and I feel like I’ve done some good.”