Breaking New Ground: Tricia Hill's Pioneering Leadership at SUT-US - September 2024

2024

Tricia HIll
Tricia Hill
Marine and Offshore Sales Director 
Breaking New Ground: Tricia Hill’s Pioneering Leadership at SUT-US
By Mariana Diaz
 
In the history of the Society for Underwater Technology in the U.S. (SUT-US), 2020 marked a breakpoint moment as Tricia Hill took the wheel as the first woman Chair and President. Her election was not just a win for gender diversity but a testament to her exceptional leadership and vision for the organization.
Tricia Hill’s journey with SUT-US began in 2015, and she quickly became a force of innovation and progress. With over two decades of experience in the offshore energy industry, Hill’s expertise spans across design, manufacturing, project management, and sales. Her professional talent is matched by her commitment to advancing education in underwater technology, a perseverance that earned her the SUT Fellow in 2019.
Tricia’s journey as Chair has been marked by dedication and a deep commitment to the industry. She stepped into the role when there was a need, prompted by Professor Zenon Centina-Medina, who recognized her as the most active volunteer in 2019. Their collaboration on various initiatives, including the Department of Energy (DOE) TEAMER initiative and the SUT-US mentoring program, laid the foundation for the years to come. 
As the first woman to lead SUT-US, Hill’s presidency is more than symbolic. It’s a reflection of her unwavering passion to the society’s mission and her ability to inspire change. Under her leadership, SUT-US has seen the establishment of several key initiatives. The trans-Atlantic Subsea Engineering and Operations (SEO) Committee, the Drilling 101 Course, and the Online Engineering Competition Program are just a few examples of her efforts to promote educational opportunities. Hill has been instrumental in creating the SUT-US Mentoring Program and the Women in Industry (WIND) Taskforce, which aim to empower and support professionals in the field.
According to Hill, one of the most rewarding aspects of her tenure has been working with the various SUT committees. She has been continually impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the volunteers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes because they believe in the industry and SUT’s mission. She feels proud to be among such committed individuals.
After talking to some of the SUT-US volunteers, Luz Zarate said: “SUT has been my professional home since I graduated, and Tricia has been a guiding light throughout. From offering advice on navigating difficult conversations to brainstorming ideas for SUT events, Tricia’s positive energy is infectious. She brings out the best in everyone, fostering collaboration and innovation. Her dedication to the organization and commitment to supporting others are admirable. As we celebrate her leadership, I also recognize the positive impact she has had on my career.”
Throughout her time as Chair, Tricia has learned valuable lessons. Organizing workshops, training events, and committee meetings requires significant effort, but she strives to make these activities enjoyable rather than burdensome. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating accomplishments, such as the life-changing mentoring and scholarship awards.
Hill’s vision extends beyond the borders of the United States. She recognizes the potential for SUT-US to serve as a bridge between the advanced marine renewable energy developments in the UK & Europe and the growing industry in the US. Her goal is to influence the organization’s international presence to benefit government bodies, academia, and the industry at large.
During her tenure, Tricia faced the significant challenge of keeping SUT-US afloat during the COVID pandemic. By shifting everything online, including networking and events such as whiskey tasting, they managed to stay connected as a community and remain financially stable. Adapting to a new normal with hybrid events has been another journey, but they have successfully navigated these changes.
We spoke with Damilola Abe, Scholarship Winner, SUT-US and Educational Chair and he said “Tricia's leadership has been exceptionally remarkable for the SUT. She steered the organization through the tough COVID years with grace, ensuring that we stayed strong and connected, even when things were uncertain. Thanks to her innovative leadership, she introduced activities like the online engineering competition, which kept the society functional and engaged during the pandemic. She also ensured that we made a solid comeback, and all our activities have bounced back better than ever. She's been an inspiration to us all by allowing ideas to flourish, always supporting and bringing the team together. She leads with a focus that we can all learn from. Tricia's leadership has left a lasting impact on SUT, and we are grateful for her dedication and resilience.”
Tricia acknowledges that leading a volunteer organization requires mindful and thoughtful conversations, seeking agreement rather than dictating actions. She finds immense satisfaction in the Women in Industry events, which fosters purposeful networking and discussions about workplace issues that affect everyone.
Her advice to the next Chair is to support all committees equally, stepping up to a level of oversight and service without favoring any area. Tricia’s secret to running efficiently and effectively lies in the support of key individuals like Patsy Rhymes and Mariana Diaz, whose contributions have been invaluable.
Tricia Hill’s tenure as Chair of SUT-US is a narrative of breaking barriers and setting new standards. Her work and leadership have not only paved the way for future generations of women in the industry but have also propelled SUT-US into a new era of innovation and international collaboration. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the impact of Tricia Hill’s leadership will be felt for years to come. Her legacy is one of progress, mentorship, and a deep-seated belief in the power of education to transform industries and lives. For SUT-US, and for the underwater technology community, Tricia Hill is more than a chair; she is a beacon of inspiration and a catalyst for change.
This article was published by the SUT Blue World Magazine, issue 11 - September 2024 - Pages 22-23
https://issuu.com/emilysut/docs/sut-big_blue_world-september_2024_-_final



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