The Wildcatter of the Year award is bestowed on only the most prominent leaders in the western oil and natural gas industry whose entrepreneurial spirit and exploratory work have contributed significantly to America’s energy security. Wildcatter of the Year recipients are also role models in the western community who have contributed significantly to the betterment of society.
The term “wildcatter” originates from the 1880s when independent oilmen ranged across the West in hopes of discovering new or unproven oil reserves. The Wildcatter of the Year award was created in 1981, and nominations are based on the unique contributions and accomplishments of an industry leader, particularly in successful longtime oil and natural gas exploration and production in the West; community service; and support of industry activities and organizations. Each year the winner is announced during Western Energy Alliance’s annual Wildcatter of the Year Gala attended by leaders in the independent oil and natural gas industry in the West. |
Wildcatter Award Recipients
Robert J. Clark 2019
Paul Rady 2018 Barth Whitham 2017 Harold Hamm 2015 Ted Brown 2013 James (Jim) Volker 2012 Neal Stanley 2011 Peter Dea 2010 James Lightner 2009 Neil (Mick) McMurry 2008 William Ballard 2007 Harry Trueblood 2006 Kenneth Luff 2005 Thomas Petrie 2004 Cortland Dietler 2003 F.H. (Mick) Merelli 2002 Donald Wolf 2001 Rex Monahan 2000 |
Robert Nance 1999
Raymond Duncan 1998 Robert Bayless 1997 George Fancher 1996 John Snyder 1995 Edward Ackman 1994 William Barrett 1993 George Anderman 1992 Wayne (Dusty) Biddle 1991 Harvey Yates 1990 Conely Smith 1988 William Goodin 1987 James Wallace 1986 Thomas Vessels 1984 Samuel Gary 1983 Frederick Mayer 1982 A. True 1981 |