Executive Pilot Award Recipients

2012: Larry Nichols

Since the beginning in 2003, Devon Energy has supported the OK Ethics initiatives in a number of ways, especially through his company’s membership and consistently high participation in monthly meetings. Mr. Larry Nichols has generously donated his time by speaking to the group on several occasions and reinforcing Oklahoma values of integrity at work. Last year, it was no surprise that Devon Energy was honored with the annual Compass Award for the large company category. Selected by the OK Ethics Board of Directors, Mr. Nichols is being recognized for going above and beyond to promote ethical standards in the various professions, our community and the nation. As an honoree, Mr. Nichols is humble in the knowledge that no one is perfect, but everyone can serve as an inspiration to those aspiring to do the right thing. It is with great respect that OK Ethics is privileged to honor a long-time supporter of our ideals and values.

Larry Nichols is co-founder and Executive Chairman of Devon Energy Corporation, one of the nation’s largest independent natural gas and oil producers. The company's proved reserves total 2.9 billion equivalent barrels, which are focused entirely onshore in North America. Devon is also one of the largest independent processors of natural gas and natural gas liquids in North America. The company has an enterprise value of approximately $30 billion. Devon is included in the S&P 500 Index and its common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DVN. Devon has been ranked on Fortune magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America for four consecutive years. In addition, the company is consistently included on Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list. In 2010, Devon ranked first in its sector in areas of innovation, social responsibility and long-term investment. Mr. Nichols was named one of Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO’s in 2010.

Nichols graduated from Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in geology. He completed his juris doctorate at the University of Michigan in 1967, where he was a member of the Order of Coif and a comment editor of Law Review. Nichols served as law clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren and Justice Tom Clark of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1967 to 1968. He then served as special assistant to Assistant Attorney General William Rehnquist in the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

A leader in the industry, Nichols is former chairman and a current director of the American Petroleum Institute and American Exploration & Production Council. He is on the board of the Business Industry Political Action Committee and National Association of Manufacturers in Washington, D.C. He is a director of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association and is a member of the All American Wildcatters. Nichols serves on the board of Baker Hughes Incorporated, a New York Stock Exchange company, and Sonic Corp. He is a member of the Board and past chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and was co-chairman for United Way’s 2007 campaign. He is on the board and past chairman of the Oklahoma Nature Conservancy.

2011: Ted Streuli

Since December 21, 2004, The Journal Record has been running a monthly guest column that promotes business ethics. The staff, lead by Editor Ted Streuli, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the standards of integrity that Oklahoma holds dear.

OK Ethics is pleased to present the second annual Executive Pilot Award to Mr. Streuli. Selected by the OK Ethics Board of Directors, the honor is given to individuals who go above and beyond to promote ethical standards in their professions and our community. As an honoree, Mr. Streuli is humble in the knowledge that no one is perfect, but everyone can serve as an inspiration to all of us who strive to do the right thing.

Mr. Streuli’s life and career has been characterized by a strong sense of fairness. In the workplace, that means reasonable compensation, opportunities to advance and fulfilling work assignments for each individual. As a member of the press, Mr. Streuli believes in presenting a balanced, unbiased perspective. He is intentional in his efforts to provide opinion columns that represent all facets of an issue. More importantly, he ensures that facts reported in The Journal Record are accurate and truthful.

He is a courageous leader, not afraid to delve into cutting edge topics like faith’s impact on workplace values. Nor does he hesitate to challenge the status quo of business as usual. At the same time, his actions are tempered with a compassionate heart. Mr. Streuli has made countless sacrifices to help community organizations and encourages others to do the same.

It is with great respect that we are privileged to honor a long-time supporter
of OK Ethics’ ideals and efforts.

2010: Tom Hill

In 1992, Tom Hill, now Board Chairman of Kimray, Inc., developed and piloted the Character First program to help employees reach their full potential as individuals. Kimray restructured its hiring practices, recognition, and monthly company meetings to promote good character. Kimray's character emphasis became more than a program—it became a way of life.

Every month Kimray emphasized a specific character quality using Character First leadership resources. During monthly employee meetings, supervisors and managers would publicly recognize employees by pointing out specific character qualities they demonstrated and how it benefited the company. Kimray also provided ongoing leadership development training for supervisors and managers so they could emphasize and reward good character on a daily basis.

In less than two years, Kimray's Worker's Compensation costs decreased 80%, and they experience a 25% increase in profits, even though the market was depressed. Today, Kimray's character-emphasis remains strong, and they continue to thrive with a dedicated work force, quality products, and satisfied customers.

Other companies heard about what Kimray was doing, and Tom Hill established the Character Training Institute in Oklahoma City to continue developing Character First resources and training seminars. Now Character First reaches individuals, corporations, schools, government agencies, and families in more than 27 countries and 11 languages. Learn more at www.characterfirst.com.