Tom L. Ward

Class of
2012
Tom L. Ward

Tom L. Ward

"Tom Ward is not your average CEO, he is not your average man. His journey has required fierce independence, a pioneering spirit, and strength in his Faith."
Hance Dilbeck, 2012

Biography

Born in Shattuck and raised in Seiling, Ward is the former chairman and chief executive officer of SandRidge Energy, Inc. He also previously served as president, chief operating officer, and a director of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, co-founded on a handshake with Aubrey K. McClendon. Ward is currently Chairman and CEO of Tapstone Energy.

Ward graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1981 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Petroleum Land Management. Ward serves on the board of trustees of Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana, and The First Tee.

With his son, in 2006 Ward co-founded White Fields, Inc., offering a continuum care program and a home for severely abused and neglected boys until they are out of high school. It is important to Ward that these young men know they always will have a place to call “home.” He has provided scholarship funds to Oklahoma colleges and universities to increase the access for students to higher education and encourage them to remain in Oklahoma to live and work after they have earned their degree.

Believing everyone deserves a second chance, Ward and SandRidge worked closely with Alva’s minimum security Bill Johnson Correctional Center. Through the partnership, rehabilitated, non-violent inmates earn the opportunity to return to the workforce.

Fun fact

Ward met his wife Sch’ree the summer he turned 16 while playing American Legion baseball in her hometown of Waynoka. She was selling chances to win a cake. The smitten Ward ensured he walked away with not only the cake, but the girl as well.

Oklahoma connections

Ward was born in Shattuck, Oklahoma.

Hometown

Seiling

Profession

Oilman, Producer

Presenter

Born

1959

Died

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