On May 18, 2012, the National Stripper Well Association (NSWA) took a moment to recognize one of America’s true energy heroes at its 6th Annual Energy Gala in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  This year’s special “hero of Industry” honoree was Dave Murfin (Kansas '71), President of Murfin Drilling Company, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas.  NSWA also recognized U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) as its “Legislator of the Year” and Oklahoma oil producer Mike McDonald with its “Distinguished Leadership Award.”

“This was a wonderful evening, as we honored a long-time industry hero who knows how to build a company through hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurial creativity,” said Edward Cross, President of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association.  “Dave Murfin knows how to identify diamonds in the rough, and we appreciate his philosophy and ability to see the possibilities that are achieved through tenacity, perseverance, and hard work in our nation’s oil and natural gas fields.”

Dave Murfin is President of Murfin Drilling Company, Inc. and its three divisions: oil field services, operations, and exploration.  In addition to Murfin Drilling, the Murfin family also has extensive real estate holdings, six radio stations, Murphy Tractor & Equipment Company, and minority investments in several privately held operating companies.  He is a former President of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association, former Chairman of the Liaison Committee of Cooperating Oil & Gas Associations, and was a founding member of the Kansas Heart Hospital.  Dave also currently serves on Governor Brownback’s Council of Economic Advisors, Member of the National Petroleum Council, and is Chairman of the Board of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.  Dave is a graduate of the University of Kansas and resides in Wichita, Kansas.

KIOGA is delighted to see one of our own honored by a national association.  Dave is a true icon of the Kansas oil and gas industry and of the American oil and gas industry.  We are proud of Dave.  Kansas was well-represented at the event with over a dozen folks from the Kansas oil and gas industry in attendance along with representatives from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, University of Kansas, and other Kansas entities.