Tom L. Ward
Tom L. Ward | |
|---|---|
| Born | Seiling, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Known for | Founder and former CEO of SandRidge Energy; co-founder of Chesapeake Energy; chairman and CEO of Mach Resources |
Tom L. Ward is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Oklahoma City. He currently serves as chairman and CEO of Mach Resources, an energy firm publicly traded and headquartered in Oklahoma City. Ward is the founder and former leader of Tapstone Energy and SandRidge Energy, Inc., and he was a co-founder of Chesapeake Energy, where he held the roles of president and chief operating officer.
Under Ward's leadership, SandRidge expanded to a valuation of $10 billion before his departure in 2013. His resignation occurred without cause after two board inquiries concluded there was no misconduct during his time as chairman and CEO.
Bloomberg referred to him in 2017 as "a natural gas icon," recognizing his establishment and guidance of several prosperous oil and gas enterprises.
In addition to his energy ventures, Ward owns TLW Trading, L.L.C., Heritage Feeders, L.P., and TLW Land and Cattle. TLW Trading focuses on commodity investments, particularly within North American natural gas markets, while Heritage Feeders ranks among the nation’s top ten cattle feeding operations.
Early life
Ward was raised in Seiling, Oklahoma, where he completed high school and actively engaged in various sports. During his final year, he gained practical experience working alongside his uncle in local oil fields. It was also before college that he met Schree, who would become his wife.
Education
In 1981, Ward earned a BBA degree specializing in Petroleum Land Management from the University of Oklahoma.
Philanthropy and community involvement
As a co-founder and chairman since 2000, Ward has been instrumental in White Fields, an organization dedicated to providing long-term care for boys who have suffered abuse or neglect. The program offers ongoing counseling and support beyond typical short-term solutions. In 2016, White Fields collaborated with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and Eckerd Kids to deploy predictive analytics technology designed to avert childhood tragedies.
In 2002, Ward and his wife financed the construction of the Tom L. and Sch'ree Ward Fieldhouse at Anderson University as part of completing the Kardatzke Wellness Center. They also initiated a scholarship program that allows members of Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City to attend Anderson University at in-state tuition rates.
Ward donated a campus facility free of charge in 2005 for SeeWorth Academy, which serves approximately 400 students with a specialized curriculum. In 2014, he invested $17 million to refurbish the historic Mideke building downtown into Tapstone’s headquarters, blending contemporary design with preservation of architectural heritage.
He has sponsored prominent downtown events such as the SandRidge Tree Lighting Festival and Santa Run in 2014. Additionally, Ward partnered with Alva's Bill Johnson Correctional Center to facilitate inmate rehabilitation through employment opportunities.
Until April 2014, Ward was part of Professional Basketball Club LLC, co-owners of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, before selling his shares to George Kaiser.
Ward holds or has held leadership roles across educational and business organizations including trustee at Anderson University (former), membership on the Economic Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, board positions at OU Health Sciences Center and The World Golf Foundation, as well as serving on Nopetro’s board of directors.
He has funded numerous scholarships aimed at boosting student retention and workforce readiness within Oklahoma colleges. Ward played a significant role in revitalizing downtown Oklahoma City's Central Business District through projects such as converting the former Kerr-McGee Tower into SandRidge Commons and restoring historic structures like the Braniff Building and 120 Kerr into contemporary office spaces with retail and dining amenities.
Ward leads the Tom L. Ward Family Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations including Positive Tomorrows and Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform.
Honors and awards
In 2012, Ward was honored with induction into the Oklahoma Heritage Foundation's Hall of Fame. Two years later, in 2014, he received the Neal Horton Award in recognition of his efforts to rejuvenate the Central Business District in downtown. Earlier, in 2006, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy acknowledged him as a Friend of Children Honoree. Additionally, Ward was granted the Judge William R. Saied Founder's Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters for his contributions to mentoring initiatives in Oklahoma City. His philanthropic efforts were further celebrated in 2008 when he was named an Outstanding Philanthropist at the National Philanthropy Day Past Awards.
External links
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- American chief executives of energy companies
- University of Oklahoma alumni
- Businesspeople from Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma City Thunder owners
- NBA executives
- Living people
- American chief operating officers
- People from Seiling, Oklahoma
- Year of birth missing (living people)