Houston Section

Section Overview

The Houston Section is one of MTS's most active and impactful communities—bringing together professionals across offshore energy, subsea technology, and ocean engineering to exchange knowledge, build connections, and advance workforce development along the Gulf Coast.

Through a dynamic mix of monthly luncheons, networking events, and large-scale gatherings, the Houston Section creates consistent opportunities for industry engagement while hosting flagship events that serve as cornerstone moments for the offshore community.

These efforts extend beyond connection. Signature fundraising initiatives directly support scholarships, student engagement, and programs like the Floating Classroom, reinforcing the Section's commitment to investing in the next generation and strengthening the broader ocean technology community.

Largest MTS Section

A leading hub of engagement, bringing together one of the Society's most active and connected communities.

600+ Attendees at Flagship Events

High-impact gatherings that consistently draw strong industry participation and meaningful connections.

Annual Scholarships

Ongoing investment in students and future professionals entering the marine technology workforce.

Impactful Fundraising

Powered by signature events like the long-standing Sporting Clays Tournament, supporting scholarships and student programs year after year.

Geographic Territory

The Texas Section is comprised of the following counties in the state of Texas:

Calhoun, Victoria, Jackson, Matagorda, Wharton, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Chambers, Liberty, Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Colorado, Waller, Austin, Washington, Brazos, Grimes, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker, Polk, Trinity, Tyler, Jasper, Newton, Angelina, Sabine, San Augustine, Nacogdoches, Shelby, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Gregg, and Harrison counties.

Section Signature Events

Annual BBQ Fundraiser

600+ Attendees | Silent Auction | Exhibits | Primary Scholarship Fundraiser

Sporting Clays Tournament

One of the Largest in the Region | 20+ Year Tradition | Strong Industry Participation

Annual Golf Tournament

Premier Networking Event | Industry-Wide Participation | Supports Scholarships

Investing in the Next Generation

The Houston Section supports the next generation of ocean professionals through scholarships, hands-on programs, and early-career engagement.

Scholarships & Student Support

The Houston Section is committed to advancing workforce development by supporting students at every stage of their academic journey. Through the generosity of members and event sponsors, the Section awards scholarships and provides educational funding that opens doors to opportunity across the region.

Each year, these efforts directly support college students pursuing careers in marine technology and related fields, while also contributing to broader educational initiatives, including the Floating Classroom and regional science fairs that inspire the next wave of talent.

As the program continues to grow, so does its impact—expanding access, strengthening pathways, and helping students turn potential into progress.

Scholarship Opportunities

Dr. Wayne Ingram Scholarship
Glen Lochte Scholarship
Charles Richards, Sr. Scholarship
Dr. John C. Freeman Scholarship
Chuck Richards Scholarship
TAMU MTS Endowed Scholarship
University of Houston Scholarship
Texas A&M Galveston Scholarship

Stay tuned for application details and upcoming deadlines.

Young Professionals

Over the years, the MTS Houston Section has played an active role in attracting bright and promising engineering students into the Oil & Gas industry via scholarship programs and networking events. Now the Section has taken the next step forward in bridging the gap by starting the Young Professionals Committee.

The purpose of the Young Professionals Committee is to connect young graduates with MTS Houston. Committee goals include:

Target, attract, and retain young professionals into the marine technology industry
Promote growth and exposure for young professionals through MTS-sponsored training seminars and events
Expose young professionals to key projects, industry leaders, and companies
Identify resources and tools to enhance careers
Provide mentor/mentee relationships

If you are interested in being a part of the Houston Section's Young Professionals Committee, please contact Michael Sager for more information. [REACH OUT FOR UPDATED SOCIAL LINKS].

Floating Classroom

The Houston Section supports the Floating Classroom Program—an immersive, on-the-water experience that connects students in grades 4–12 with real-world marine science.

Operated through the Texas Marine Advisory Service at Texas A&M University System, the program is based in Matagorda and takes place aboard the R/V Karma, a 57-foot teaching and research vessel equipped with professional-grade tools and instrumentation.

Students spend a full day engaged in hands-on exploration—collecting samples, analyzing coastal ecosystems, and working with equipment such as trawl nets, plankton nets, water samplers, and microscopes. Guided by marine educators and coastal naturalists, participants gain direct exposure to topics including marine biology, ecology, fisheries, and environmental impact.

The experience extends beyond the vessel, with complementary onshore activities that deepen understanding and reinforce key concepts.

Through sponsorships and participation in MTS Houston Section events, this program continues to expand access to experiential learning. Each year, nearly 1,700 students take part—joining more than 18,000 individuals across Texas who have engaged with the Floating Classroom since its launch.

Useful Links

Professional Committees: Connect with technical communities shaping marine technology.

Industry Events: Explore conferences and organizations that support offshore, subsea, and marine technology professionals.

Industry Organizations & Networks: Engage with professional associations and regional networks supporting engineering, offshore, and marine industries.

Education & Student Pathways: Find academic and student-led programs connected to ocean and engineering careers.

Upcoming Events

Houston Section

MTS Houston GLOW Shooting Practice

January 21, 2027 | 4:00 - 8:00 PM

Join the MTS Houston Section for an evening of GLOW Shooting Practice as we gear up for the MTS Sporting Clays Tournament in March. This after-dark event is a great opportunity to sharpen your shooting...

Webinar Recordings

Challenging Convention: In-line Inspection of Unpiggable Subsea Systems

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An Offshore Energy Perspective on Managing HSE During the Age of COVID

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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management: Update on Federal Offshore Renewable Activities & Future Outlook

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Offshore Diversity and Technology

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Umbilicals: Brownfield Problems and Solutions

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Price of Oil: Global and Local Impacts to the Offshore Industry

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Halo Battery Storage: A Gateway for Subsea Asset Life Extension

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An Independent's Perspective on 2020 Deepwater

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Field Development Planning in Mexico: A Safe Path for an Oil Price Reduction Scenario After COVID-19

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Life Extension Considerations for Steel Catenary Risers Versus Top Tensioned Risers

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Optime Subsea: Novel Technologies for the Gulf of Mexico

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Offshore Hydrate: Deposition, Detection & Characterization for Effective Remediation

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Committee Leadership

Chair

Sara Patterson, C-LARS
Sara.Patterson@c-lars.com

Leadership Team

Vice Chair: Brian Butler | Brianb@terradepth.com
Secretary: Kendra Minton, Janel Group | kminton@janelgroup.com
Treasurer: Stephanie Rollins, OneSubsea | srollins@onesubsea.com
Social Media Chair: Candace Reuter-Acord, ROVOP | candaceacord@rovop.com
BBQ Co-Chair/Operations: Shannon Giagnorio, C.A. Richards | Shannon@carichards.com
BBQ Co-Chair/Exhibits & Sponsorships: Desiree Reyes, LRQA | desiree.reyes@LRQA.com
BBQ Co-Chair: Sara Patterson, C-LARS | Sara.Patterson@c-lars.com
BBQ Co-Chair: Candace Reuter-Acord, ROVOP | candaceacord@rovop.com
BBQ Silent Auction: Stephanie Rollins, OneSubsea | SRollins@OneSubsea.com
BBQ Silent Auction: Desiree Reyes, LRQA | desiree.reyes@LRQA.com
Registration: Kristina Norman, MTS | kristina.norman@mtsociety.org
Former BBQ Chair: Shannon Giagnorio, C.A. Richards | Shannon@carichards.com
OTC Board of Directors: Sandeep Khurana, Ryder Scott | Sandeep_Khurana@ryderscott.com
Student Affairs/Scholarship Chair: Candace Reuter-Acord, ROVOP | candaceacord@rovop.com
Sporting Clays Co-Chair: Tamara Quebedeaux, Cardinal Culinary |tamara@cadinaltx.com
Sporting Clays Co-Chair: Toni Porretto, Baker Marine | tonip@bakermarinesolutions.com
Sporting Clays Co-Chair: Jason Cox, Ibis General Services | Jason@ibisgy.com
Council Member: Chuck Richards, CA Richards & Assoc. | chuck@carichards.com
Council Member: Shannon Giagnorio, C.A. Richards & Associates | Shannon@carichards.com
Council Member: Evalyn M. Shea, Shea Writing and Training Solutions | evalynshea@sheaws.com
OTC Technical Program: Ron Hughes, Blackfin Offshore | rhughes@blackinoffshore.com
Golf Co-Chair: Scott Kopsick, Bastion Technologies | Skopsick@bastiontechnologies.com
Golf Co-Chair: Stephen Seman, PMP, Centurion | sseman@centurionsubseaservices.com
Golf Co-Chair: Lori Blue, Hunting Energy Services | Lori.Blue@Hunting-Intl.com