David LePain, State Geologist of Alaska

In March this year, David LePain will become State Geologist of Alaska, as successor to Steve Masterman. David has been a Petroleum Geologist at the Alaska survey since 2014. His specialties are applied sedimentology and stratigraphy, basin analysis, and petroleum geology. David obtained his B.S. in geology with distinction at Wayne State University in Detroit, his M.S. in geology in 1987 at Wright State University in Dayton Ohio H, and his Ph.D. in geology at University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1993. David has gained much industry experience over the years, as well as early career service with the Wisconsin and Alaska state geological surveys. Welcome, David!

Steve Masterman to complete his time as State Geologist of Alaska

Steven S. Masterman is planning to retire as State Geologist and Director at the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys this spring. Steve was appointed to this role in 2013, as successor to Bob Swenson. He performed superbly as AASG VP, President Elect, President, and Past President from 2015 to 2019. Steve hosted a wonderfully successful AASG Annual Meeting in 2016, and the Alaska team heroically hosted AASG digital infrastructure for over a decade. Prior to his Alaska state government service, Steve worked extensively in the mineral industry, including work in Alaska, Peru and Nevada. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mining geology from the Royal School of Mines, and a master’s degree in geological engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Thanks for your service, Steve!