01/
Sumup the ILTA in 8words.
Helping terminals
add value to their business operations.
02/
Howhas ILTA changed since you became
involved in 2003?
We have become a stronger voice for the
terminal industry through our ability to shape public policy to
support legislative and regulatory issues. We also changed our name
to more accurately reflect the fact that we have always welcomed
international companies into our membership and host an annual
event which attracts attendees from all over the world.
03/
What's going to be the highlight of the
Annual Conference in June?
One will be our keynote speaker,
Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team who
scored the game winning goal against Russia. He is the first Olympic
athlete to Keynote an ILTA conference.
04/
This year sees the 35
th
conference, where
do you see the event in its 45
th
year?
As we have done
for the past 35 years, we will continue to offer opportunities for
relationship building, networking and knowledge sharing. In 10 years
a lot will have changed, but ILTA will still be the premier annual
event for the tank storage industry.
05/
What's next for the ILTA?
The association has
been in business for 40 years, and we have a long future ahead. We
are always exploring the development of new programmes and
services for our members and enhancing the benefits we provide.
Strategic direction from our Board of Directors will ensure that
we continue to provide our members with the valuable, relevant
products and services they seek and will allow us to position the
organisation for sustained growth.
06/
Tell us your favourite book.
I have many
favourites, but an American classic I enjoy reading from time to time
is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.
07/
What is your biggest business
achievement?
Being named President of the ILTA in January 2014.
I am very honoured.
08/
Do you see a gender imbalance in
theworld of engineering?
The profession has done
a good job of recruiting diversified talent and companies
are identifying that talent, developing those individuals and
promoting them into leadership roles. Women and men
have all made outstanding achievements in the world of
engineering.
09/
What do you think can be done to
encouragemorewomen to the profession?
An
industry that makes itself relevant and visible, provides
mentoring opportunities, has initiatives that recognise and
reward productivity and creativity, and offers career growth
will attract skilled professionals, regardless of gender.
10/
Sharewith us your favourite food.
My
Mom's homemade lemon bars.
11/
If you could go anywhere in theworld
right now, wherewould you go?
Antarctica.
12/
Howdo you feel about the shale
revolution?
There are a number of benefits that this boom
in energy production has brought to the US economy. It has
transformed America's energy markets and has shifted the way
that energy issues are being discussed in Washington.
13/
How is it impacting the storage
sector?
The dramatic growth of output from shale basins has
created a surge in demand for storage capacity and is opening
up new business opportunites for terminals.
14/
What do you think is next for the
storage sector as a whole?
Challenges with security
and environmental regulations have increased for terminals.
Government intervention in our industry is already extensive.
More regulations and inconsistent enforcement of existing
ones are making it more difficult and more expensive for
terminals to operate.
15/
Do you have advice for people
looking to enter the oil and gas sector?
The liquid
storage industry offers rewarding and challenging career
opportunities in a number of disciplines. Throughout the
industry, there is an emphasis on education and training
that will help employees at all levels grow and succeed
professionally.
Melinda Whitney, President,
International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA)
As President of the ILTA, Whitney is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the
association. She oversees the daily operations of the organisation and ensures that all member services
and programs are run efficiently and effectively. She joined ILTA in 2003 and has worked to increase
opportunities for information exchange and networking among ILTA members. She has been instrumental
in expanding the annual conference and trade show by developing new ideas, such as improving the
marketing materials and adding conference sessions in Spanish. Whitney received a BA in Journalism with
a Minor in Spanish from Colorado State University.
HYDROCARBON
ENGINEERING
80
questions
15
