MEET OUR TEAM
Our team is trained both internationally and locally. We understand your needs and the environment in which you do business.
Jim Oberkircher
Executive Director
Jim is one of the founders and current Executive Director of the IADD. A 35+ year oilfield veteran, he has excelled in various roles for both operators and service companies, including drilling and completions operations, technical support, training, and business development. He has worked with and managed cross-functional technical teams and projects ranging from deepwater North Sea to shallow vertical wells onshore Colorado and North Dakota.
Jim is the President of GFE Management & Consulting, a multi-faceted energy consulting firm. He attended Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he studied Mechanical Engineering. He is dedicated to promoting the directional drilling industry and the impact that it has on the world.
Blaine Comeaux
Director of Development
Blaine is a Senior Technology Consultant and has worked in Directional Drilling for over thirty years, taking on roles as Global RSS Product Champion, Global Account Manager, Global Marketing Manager, and Deepwater GOM Sales Manager during his long career with Halliburton/Sperry Drilling Services. He consults with small and large oil and gas technology companies and performs due diligence that includes competitive analysis and industry expert interviews. He was part of a team that launched a directional drilling service inside a major Permian Basin operator. He is a subject matter expert in rotary steerable technology and wellbore quality. He has guided the launching of some of the highest profile technology products including rotary steerable, azimuthal deep resistivity sensors, multilateral systems, managed pressure drilling solutions, and drilling mechanics software. Blaine is a graduate of LSU with a degree in Petroleum Engineering.
Ellicia Martinez
Team Leader
Ellicia is a dedicated team leader and active member of the IADD. Ellicia provides team leadership, constituent support, and valuable sponsor relations. Aside from experience as a Stephen Minister, Executive Assistant, Business Owner and Marketing Project Manager, she holds certifications in SEO, Marketing Strategies and Analytics. Ellicia founded a recognized homeschool for teen parents to earn a High School Diploma while navigating parenthood. Ellicia brings a dynamic blend of empathy, operational excellence, and business acumen to every initiative. As President of Gettin It Custom Leather, LLC., She has demonstrated creativity and a strong work ethic, building a brand rooted in quality and customization across the USA. Ellicia is dedicated to adding Directional Drilling to her experiences and IADD is happy to be a part of that mission.
Suzanne Khan
Team Leader
Suzanne brings over two decades of HR experience in the Energy Sector, as well as the Food Manufacturing and Consumer Goods Industry. Her HR expertise, coupled with her background in Supply Chain Customer Service, provides her with a thorough
understanding of organizational operations and customer service excellence. She earned her bachelor's degree in business studies from the University of Sunderland, UK. While residing on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, she enjoys traveling, photography, spending time with family and friends, especially at the beach, and participating in charitable activities during her free time.
Rachel Luca
Newsletters
Rachel is a junior at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville TX, majoring in business management. Rachel is a Christian (who is sold out for Jesus), raised in Yorkville, IL. She spent most of her life just outside of Chicago and loves a deep-dish pizza, sledding, and baking. Rachel started a baking business when she was 17. When she was 19, Jesus snatched her up and gave her a new life with new friends. Rachel built a connection and interest in the IADD with the help of her best friend, Emalee Springfield (now Emalee Coleman). Rachel has been publishing the IADD newsletters since then.
