At a ceremony held today in St. John’s, Noia was pleased to award Lee Shinkle with the Noia Outstanding Contribution Award and Captain Kristopher Drodge with the Noia Rising Star Award. The Industry Achievement Awards Luncheon took place at the Delta Hotel St. John’s and was attended by over 250 Noia members and industry leaders.
The Outstanding Contribution Award recognizes exemplary contribution of an individual who, through the course of their work and personal life, has influenced the development of the offshore oil & gas industry. Noia was pleased to award this honour to Lee Shinkle, a Newfoundland and Labrador industry leader for over 45 years. Lee began his career in marine and aviation insurance and joined the oil & gas industry in the 1980s, including helping to create AMI Offshore Inc. where he led company growth to over 300 employees and offices throughout Atlantic Canada, as well as Houston and Brazil. He was instrumental in implementing a new structure and strategic plan for Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada (PRAC) to fund industry research. He continued his career at Jacques Whitford as the Business Development Leader and Sustainability Champion and when acquired by Stantec, Lee led the creation of a strategic growth plan in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2011, he was appointed Regional Business Development Leader for Atlantic Canada for Stantec and later added Nunavut to his responsibilities. Lee served as Noia President in 1991 and as a director with numerous companies and volunteer organizations. He has been named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada and one of the Top 50 Leaders in the Oil & Gas Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. He remains a tremendous advocate for the offshore industry.
The Rising Star Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an oil & gas industry member who has demonstrated significant accomplishment and is 40 years of age or younger. This year’s recipient, Captain Kristopher Drodge, is an Offshore Installation Manager onboard the Transocean Barents. Kristopher is a graduate of the Marine Institute Nautical Science and Memorial University Maritime Studies programs and has more than 15 years experience in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil & gas industry. Beginning his career as a Ballast Control Operator on the GSF Grand Banks, he has steadily progressed through leadership roles in the offshore, having been one of the youngest OIM’s on an offshore semi-submersible in Canada. An advocate for a modern and safe offshore working environment, Captain Drodge has also been a part-time faculty member at his alma matter and contributed to the development and offering of offshore safety courses. His recent contributions to the industry include involvement and leadership in the jurisdictional intakes of two drill rigs, as well as revision of industry regulations and the management of the required training and qualifications for offshore personnel.
“It was an honour to take part in the ceremonies today recognizing these individuals for their tremendous contributions to the offshore oil and gas industry of Newfoundland and Labrador. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Lee Shinkle for some time. He is a pioneer of our industry and I can think of no one more deserving of the Noia Outstanding Contribution Award. Captain Kristopher Drodge has accomplished so much before the age of 40 and maintains a significant focus on safety as part of his leadership. I congratulate both of these individuals for the deserved recognition received today.”– Mark Collett, Chair of the Noia Board of Directors.
Today’s luncheon also saw the inaugural Honourary Noia Member presentation occur with founding member Harry Pride recognized. As one of the individuals who began Noia in 1977, Harry Pride has had a longstanding relationship with the organization serving in a variety of capacities since the inception of Noia and through his steadfast belief in our capabilities, leading the development of an industry new to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Mr. David Furey, teacher at O’Donel High School in Mount Pearl, also received the Petroleum Industry Human Resources Committee Inspiring Young Minds – Oil & Gas Educators Award. The award recognizes an educator who supports and encourages students to consider careers in the oil and gas industry with an $1,000 award funded by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development.
Three organizations marking 30 years as Noia members and their contribution to the oil & gas industry were also recognized at the ceremony:
- Household Movers and Shippers
- NARL Refining LP
- RBC Financial Group
“Today was a day Noia members proudly reflected upon their history by recognizing two individuals who have made a positive influence on our organization and our industry. There was also a look to the future by recognizing an up and coming industry leader and a teacher who inspires young people to become involved in the oil and gas industry.” — Charlene Johnson, Noia CEO
