Leigh Ann Runyan, CMP, will take over as Executive Director of the Offshore Technology Conference in mid-April. She replaces Stephen Graham, who is retiring. Runyan has extensive experience managing OTC and other large events.

“I know I’ve been keeping OTC in a very efficient hand,” says Stephen Graham. “Lei An has the background and experience to work with the OTC Board to drive this important event through the current challenges of a brighter future.”

The Runian director will continue to play the role of Events for Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in the United States, where he is managing a huge event portfolio across Canada, the United States and Latin America. Prior to joining SPE, he was with the American Heart Association (AHA) for 21 years, where he held various positions in meetings and professional education. His last position before leaving AHA was as vice president. His primary responsibility as Vice-President was the overall management of the 250+ meetings of the annual department.

Runian graduated with a BS in BSA from Tulsa University and later received a BS in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV). He holds a Masters in Hospitality Administration from UNLV. He is a Certified Meeting Professional and a member of the Professional Convention Management Association.