For more than three decades, Steve Wascom has stood at the helm of some of the most complex and high-stakes operations in the global oil and gas industry. From his early days as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy to his most recent leadership as Rig Manager and Director of Operations overseeing multi-million-dollar offshore projects, Steve’s career has been defined by discipline, courage, and a relentless pursuit of operational excellence. His journey is one of transformation—of a young naval officer who navigated warships across oceans, evolving into a seasoned executive trusted to lead international drilling operations that push the boundaries of safety, innovation, and efficiency.
Born with a natural affinity for the sea, Steve’s professional life began in service to his country. As a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, he honed his leadership aboard the USS Juneau (LPD-10), serving as both Deck Officer and Engine Room Officer during the Gulf War. These formative years instilled in him the values of accountability, precision, and perseverance—traits that would come to define his leadership style in every chapter of his civilian career. Decorated with the Navy Achievement Medal for his contributions during Desert Storm, Steve transitioned from naval service with a deep understanding of command responsibility and the ability to unite people around mission-critical goals under pressure.
Steve’s next voyage brought him into the world of marine transportation and offshore drilling, beginning with Transocean, one of the world’s leading offshore drilling contractors. Over a span of fourteen years, he progressed through a range of demanding roles—Chief Mate, Master, Assistant Rig Manager, and eventually Rig Manager—each position deepening his expertise in offshore operations, risk management, and dynamic positioning systems. He played pivotal roles aboard renowned vessels such as the Discoverer Deep Seas and Deepwater Horizon, managing intricate operations for clients including BP, Chevron, and Exxon. His mastery of seamanship, coupled with his ability to lead multinational crews in challenging marine environments, established him as a leader capable of balancing safety, performance, and profitability in some of the most unpredictable conditions on earth.
At Seadrill, Steve’s leadership reached new dimensions. Rising to the role of Director of Operations, he was entrusted with oversight of multiple deepwater drilling vessels across the Gulf of Mexico and Canada. Reporting directly to the Vice President of the Americas Region, he managed an annual operational budget exceeding $170 million, safeguarded a $240 million revenue stream, and led a diverse workforce committed to excellence in offshore performance. Under his guidance, Seadrill successfully installed advanced Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) systems, completed Special Periodic Surveys on time and within budget, and executed complex engineering conversions that optimized rig performance and extended operational life. His leadership during these projects was marked not only by technical success but by his ability to foster collaboration across engineering, regulatory, and client teams—ensuring that every project aligned with strategic business goals while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
During his tenure, Steve became known for his capacity to transform technical challenges into leadership opportunities. One of his hallmark achievements was the development of Seadrill’s Shallow Water Program for the Sevan Louisiana rig, a pioneering initiative that allowed a dynamically positioned semi-submersible to safely and effectively operate in 570 feet of water—an unprecedented engineering feat. By combining data-driven analysis with strategic foresight, he demonstrated that innovation in offshore drilling is as much about human ingenuity as it is about mechanical advancement. These projects underscored his ability to integrate technology, people, and process—a trifecta that became the hallmark of his management philosophy.
When Steve transitioned to Borr Drilling as Rig Manager of the Prospector 5, he carried with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence. Based in Pointe-Noire, Congo, he oversaw the integration of automation technology, guided the achievement of budget and EBITDA targets, and implemented training programs designed to uplift and empower local talent. His leadership in this international context reflected his commitment to knowledge transfer, mentorship, and cultural respect. He viewed leadership not merely as a function of management, but as an act of service—helping others achieve their fullest potential while advancing the collective success of the organization.
Across his thirty-one-year career, Steve’s strategic lens has remained global. His professional journey has taken him to Australia, Singapore, Korea, Scotland, the UK, Norway, Congo, and Brazil—each country adding new layers to his understanding of international operations, cross-cultural leadership, and the global energy ecosystem. His ability to adapt to varied operational and regulatory environments has made him an invaluable advisor for organizations navigating international expansion, complex compliance frameworks, and high-stakes technical projects.
Beyond his professional achievements, Steve embodies the qualities of a true mentor and lifelong learner. He holds dual degrees—a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from Texas A&M University (Galveston) and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M University (College Station)—a combination that mirrors his balance between technical rigor and human understanding. His love of history and his passion for reading reflect a curiosity that extends far beyond his industry, informing his thoughtful and empathetic approach to leadership. He believes deeply in the power of perspective: that understanding where we come from allows us to navigate where we are going with greater wisdom and purpose.
Now retired from full-time operations, Steve is channeling his experience toward board and advisory opportunities where he can contribute strategic insight, operational guidance, and mentorship. He is particularly drawn to organizations that value resilience, innovation, and ethical leadership—attributes that have guided him throughout his career. His motivation is rooted in the belief that leadership is not about command, but about contribution. “Helping others grow,” he often says, “is one of the best things you can do.” This sentiment reflects both his character and his calling.
Outside of work, Steve is an avid outdoorsman who finds balance and renewal through sailing, fishing, and hunting. These pursuits, much like his professional life, are grounded in patience, precision, and respect for nature’s unpredictability. Whether at sea or in a boardroom, Steve’s approach remains the same: steady, purposeful, and anchored in integrity. His story is not merely one of operational success, but of a leader who understands that excellence is achieved through empathy, preparation, and the courage to navigate the unknown.
Character:
Steve Wascom exemplifies integrity and accountability, hallmarks of a leader forged through years of service and responsibility. His actions consistently reflect humility and respect for others, regardless of rank or role. He believes leadership is built on trust and earned through consistent demonstration of fairness, discipline, and compassion.
Knowledge:
With more than three decades of global operational experience, Steve possesses an exceptional depth of technical, commercial, and strategic knowledge. His understanding of offshore drilling, project management, and risk mitigation is complemented by a keen grasp of business dynamics and human behavior. He combines analytical rigor with a lifelong commitment to learning, making him a respected voice in his field.
Strategic:
Steve approaches every challenge with a forward-thinking mindset, balancing tactical precision with long-term vision. His ability to see beyond immediate objectives allows him to design sustainable solutions that benefit both business performance and people development. Whether leading multi-million-dollar projects or advising senior teams, he maintains a clear focus on organizational growth and legacy.
Communication:
A natural communicator, Steve bridges the gap between technical teams and executive leadership with clarity and poise. His years of public speaking and cross-cultural collaboration have refined his ability to convey complex ideas simply and persuasively. He listens as attentively as he speaks, fostering environments where dialogue, transparency, and shared understanding lead to stronger results.
