MMA's ?Salute to the Maritime Person of the Year? Honors David Williams, Noble Corp.

On Wednesday, April 3rd, David Williams, CEO of the Noble Corporation, was honored as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s “Salute to the Maritime Person of the Year” at the Petroleum Club in Houston. Mr. Williams was awarded the prestigious Emery Rice medal, the Academy’s highest award presented for leadership excellence in the maritime field. The event is the Academy’s major scholarship fundraiser, with all proceeds going toward student financial aid.

A contingent of almost 40 cadets and staff traveled to Houston Texas to stage the event and present Mr. David Williams with the Emery Rice Medal before a gathering of almost 300 guests hosted by singer and songwriter Larry Gatlin. Mr. Williams enjoyed a warm welcome from his friends and colleagues. Guest speakers were, David Melina, former Justice Texas Supreme Court, Jim Pierce, Chairman of Global Industries Marsh Inc. and Jack Moore Chairman, President and CEO of Cameron International Corporation.

Now in its 122nd year, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, continues to excel as the nation’s biggest and best maritime academy. With the largest undergraduate enrollment, and continued growth of both graduate and undergraduate programs, the Academy provides some of the most qualified seagoing, offshore and shore side professionals to the maritime industry.

Each year the Massachusetts Maritime Academy selects a civilian or military leader with a distinguished career of excellence, innovation and service to the maritime industries. Past honorees have included Admirals, Captains, CEO’s, and leading maritime executives from around the globe. The honoree is presented with the Captain Emery Rice Medal. Named for an 1895 Academy graduate and WWI hero, Captain Rice was recognized twice by Theodore Roosevelt for his maritime skill and bravery as a shining example of American courage and fighting spirit.

The Noble Corporation has been a major supporter of the Academy’s mission by hiring, training and promoting MMA graduates in the Offshore Drilling business. As the Academy’s’ President, Admiral Richard Gurnon, was quoted as saying, “David was selected for the Emery Rice award because he is an innovator with ethics, great vision, and incredibly strong business acumen who promotes the safety of life, property and the natural environment while simultaneously advancing the business that he runs.”