Autry C. Stephens, founder and general partner of Endeavor Energy Resources, will receive the 2021 Top Hand Award from Permian Basin Petroleum Association Thursday, Jan. 20. The annual awards dinner will begin at 7 p.m. at Petroleum Club of Midland. The Top Hand award is the highest honor distributed by the PBPA each year. It is given “to acknowledge the tremendous contributions individuals have given to the oil and gas industry and the communities of the Permian Basin.” Previous winners include Curtis W. Mewbourne, Scott Sheffield, Tom Craddick, Clayton W. Williams, Jr., and Eddie Chiles.
A graduate of the University of Texas, Stephens started his career in 1962 with Humble Oil and Refining Co. After serving in the Army Corps of Engineers, he purchased land rights and acquired several energy service companies to launch his exploration and production company.