(Rick Muncrief accepts Platinum Award from newly appointed EWTC Chair and CEO, President & Director of Liberty Energy Ron Gusek)
A year after his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors at Devon Energy Corporation, Rick Muncrief was honored by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council.
Muncrief and Charles “Chuck” Davidson, former CEO and chairman of Noble Energy, were named recipients of the 2026 Platinum Award, the EWTC’s highest honor recognizing individuals whose leadership, vision, and lasting contributions have helped shape the energy industry. The Platinum Award is not presented every year and is rarely awarded to more than one individual. However, the leadership and legacy represented by this year’s honorees made it clear that two extraordinary leaders deserved recognition.
“Chuck Davidson and Rick Muncrief represent the very best of our industry,” said Molly Determan, President, Energy Workforce & Technology Council. “Their careers reflect not only remarkable business success, but a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and the people who power this industry every day.”
“Their leadership has left a lasting mark on energy production, both in the United States and around the world, and continues to influence the next generation of energy leaders,” said Tim Tarpley, President, Energy Workforce & Technology Council.
Muncrief announced his retirement in late 2024 and retired March 1, 2025 from Devon Energy where he was succeeded by current President and CEO Clay Gaspar.
Rick Muncrief’s career reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and operational excellence that have defined the modern era of American energy. Beginning his career in the oilfield at just 17, Muncrief developed a deep connection to the industry that would shape his professional path.
Over the course of his career, Muncrief has held leadership roles at some of the industry’s most respected companies, including ConocoPhillips, Burlington Resources, Meridian Oil, El Paso Exploration, and Continental Resources. As CEO of WPX Energy and later President and CEO of Devon Energy, Muncrief helped lead through a period of transformation driven by technological advancements such as horizontal drilling and the expansion of U.S. energy production on the global stage.
He is widely respected for his steady leadership, commitment to mentorship, and dedication to strengthening the future of the industry.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition. This industry has shaped my life from the very beginning, and what stands out most is the people who make it work every day,” said Rick Muncrief, 2026 Platinum Award Recipient. “From the field to the boardroom, it takes a tremendous amount of skill, resilience, and commitment to keep energy moving. We’ve seen incredible transformation over the years, and I have no doubt the next generation will continue to push the industry forward in ways we can’t yet imagine. It’s a privilege to be part of it.”
The Platinum Awards were presented during EWTC’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Tucson, Arizona, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of energy, workforce development, and innovation across the sector.