THE PRESIDENT’S LETTER
By Neil McKnight, T.D. Williamson, UK
As I write my first President’s letter, 2025 is in full swing with spring sunshine slowly heating up the UK after a long winter.
A lot has already happened in the past few months, both in the PPSA calendar, and the general pace of global events and there are no signs of relenting anytime soon.
The year kicked off with the PPSA golf tournament in Houston and the PPIM conference. During our AGM, we agreed that it would be a good time to reach out for feedback on your experience and priorities. We are currently in the final stages of preparing a short survey that we’d love for you to take part in and let us know what is important to you.
It’s a tremendous honour to write this letter as the newly appointed President of PPSA. I would like thank outgoing President Odd Reidar Boye for his leadership and contributions to the organization throughout the past few years. He has been an ever present and active member of the board throughout my involvement and has been a measured and knowledgeable voice in steering the ship. I look forward to seeing the ongoing evolution of his Ceilidh dancing skills in November!
I would also like to congratulate Neil MacKay on his appointment to Vice President. He has already demonstrated real energy and natural leadership as a Director and will no doubt continue to do great things.
We welcomed two new board members at the AGM: Mark Elliott and James Lavendar. We know their collective experience and passion for our industry will help propel us forward.
Most importantly, all of us would like to thank Diane Cordell for her ongoing dedication and drive at the heart of PPSA ensuring that the organization continues to thrive and grow.
Last year, I reached a personal milestone of 20 years in the pipeline and pigging industry. As I reflect, I go back to the early years and the people who went the extra mile to encourage and mentor an enthusiastic but naive new start. Without their patience and guidance, I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience all industry has offered the past two decades.
So its truly humbling to have the opportunity to serve as President for an organisation which focuses so strongly on encouraging and supporting young people through its sponsorship of Young Pipeliners organisations and the inaugural PEP talks program at last year’s Aberdeen conference. I will refrain from offering advice to new industry professionals but will encourage them to just give it a go, join a YPP group, try out a PEP talk or look for a mentor, you never know where it may take you.
