Smith Soc launched the Houston professional chapter with a private reception hosted by Bobby Tudor, Chairman and CEO of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., LLC. He discussed the recent downturn in the energy markets, the prospects for recovery, the impact of OPEC, and the longer term future for Houston and Texas.

Prior to founding Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co – an energy investment and merchant bank -- Bobby Tudor was previously a partner with Goldman Sachs. During his nearly 20-year career with Goldman Sachs, Tudor worked in the New York, London and Houston offices, in varying capacities including head of southwest region and head of European industrial & natural resources group. He holds a BA in English and Legal Studies from Rice University and a JD from Tulane Law School.