OIPA names David Le Norman as Member of the Year

 David Le Norman, president and CEO of Le Norman Operating, has been named Member of the Year by the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association.

The association recognized Le Norman as one of the most prominent donors to the Oilfield Services Fundraising Auction, for his work to boost the association’s political fundraising efforts, and for steadfast leadership on the OIPA board of directors.

“To be member of the year, we look for somebody who cares what happens in the state of Oklahoma and works to better our industry — somebody who contributes their time, their money, their knowledge,” OIPA Chairman Berry Mullennix said.

“David Le Norman exemplifies that. I don’t think we have any other member who has contributed more over the past few years and who does so much for our industry.”

Le Norman serves as president of OIPA’s Wildcatters PAC and is an incoming vice chairman of the association.

“Joining the industry leaders who have been recipients of the OIPA Member of the Year is truly an honor,” Le Norman said.

“OIPA members have shown great courage and tenacity in support of oil and gas producers large and small over the past few years as our industry has come under fire in Washington as well as at our own Capitol here in Oklahoma.

“Oil and gas continues to pay close to 25 percent of all taxes while other industries get free passes and even subsidies.  Our industry is made up of good, hard working people that have children in our schools, that are neighbors, friends and taxpayers working tirelessly toward American energy independence every day for all of us.

“We as leaders in our industry and community need to stay the course.  I’m very proud of our industry and what we do for our state and country.”

Le Norman has over 30 years of experience in the oil industry ranging from working in field operations as a roustabout, pumper and rig hand, to a Petroleum Engineer in various engineering, business development and management positions for Texaco, and as the founder of a number of energy companies beginning in 1995, most recently Le Norman Operating in Oklahoma City. He holds a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming, master’s work in Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University and a M.B.A. from Oklahoma City University.

Founded in 1955, the OIPA is the state’s largest oil and gas advocacy group, representing more than 2,500 individuals in the crude oil and natural gas exploration and production industry or affiliated businesses.