The PBPA’s Top Hand Award for 2024 went to a much deserving recipient, Dennis Johnson
MIDLAND, TEXAS—Highlighting an evening full of fond wishes, memories, stories, recognition, celebration, and an outpouring of good will, Midland’s own Dennis Johnson accepted the Permian Basin Petroleum Association’s Top Hand Award for 2024 here at a gala ceremony at the Petroleum Club on the evening of Jan. 18.
The award, which is the highest honor conferred by the PBPA each year, is given to acknowledge “the tremendous contributions individuals have given to the oil and gas industry and the communities of the Permian Basin.”
Further, the award is given to an individual who exemplifies the best in all the characteristics displayed by leaders in the Permian Basin. A Top Hand has not only achieved success in his chosen field, but exhibits the finest qualities of leadership, stewardship, and community involvement.
Dennis Johnson—founder, chairman, and CEO of Summit Petroleum LLC—is someone who fits that description.
Prior to his success at Summit, Johnson had the vision to grow Henry Petroleum—presided over by his brother-in-law, the late Jim Henry—from a smalltime Spraberry producer to one of the top Permian independents by developing the Wolfcamp in 2003. He founded Summit Petroleum with his son Matt in 2007 and oversaw planning and development of the family’s recently completed Summit Center, a 20-acre office/retail/park complex in north Midland.
Other business achievements include being the founder and CEO of a number of family-owned companies involved in oil, ranching, real estate, and banking.
In the community, he is currently active and serving in advisory capacities on organizations such as First Baptist Church, Midland, and First Liberty Institute, Dallas. In the past, he has served in similar capacities for Manor Park, the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, the Texas A&M Petroleum Industry Board, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and others.
Summit runs two-to-three drilling rigs and has a capital budget of about $250 million. Its January 2025 production is approximately 28,000 BOEPD.
It is in view of that pedigree that Dennis Johnson was honored as the Permian Basin Petroleum Association’s 2025 Top Hand.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERROD SHELTON, CRE8IVE.COMPANY, LUBBOCK, TEXAS.
Learn more about the Top Hand Award, an annual event, by visiting the PBPA’s website. Go to https://www.pbpa.info/about/top-hand-award
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