Eric Zimmermann Elected NOIA Chair; Occidental’s Clay Thompson Approved as Vice Chair

This is a dynamic time for America’s offshore energy industry. Our members are not standing still, they are expanding operations, investing in new technologies, and broadening their interests across the full spectrum of offshore energy, from oil and gas to carbon capture, offshore wind, ocean minerals, and the infrastructure and services that support them. That growth reflects both the scale of the opportunity offshore and the increasing importance of smart, durable policy.

At the same time, our industry continues to navigate real challenges, including permitting uncertainty, regulatory complexity, and the need for long-term investment confidence in a highly competitive global environment. NOIA’s role is to bring together the full offshore energy value chain and advocate for policies that support responsible development, strengthen American competitiveness, and position the offshore sector for continued growth. We look forward to working with Eric and Clay as NOIA continues to advance that mission, and we thank Joe Leimkuhler for his work in leading NOIA as Chair over the past year.

It’s an honor to serve as NOIA Chair at such an important time for America’s offshore energy industry. Across the sector, companies are investing, innovating, and expanding to meet growing energy demand and strengthen U.S. competitiveness. NOIA plays a vital role in bringing together the full offshore energy value chain and advocating for the policies needed to support responsible development and long-term investment.

I look forward to working with Clay, the Board, and NOIA’s membership to help advance that mission.

I’m honored to serve as NOIA Vice Chair at a time when the offshore industry is in a leadership position to advance U.S energy security and strengthen industrial activity. NOIA helps ensure policymakers understand the operational realities, workforce, and infrastructure that make offshore energy possible. I look forward to working with Eric and our members to help advance practical policies that keep the offshore sector strong and competitive.