FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON — The Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) proudly recognized Jerry Jones, Owner, President, and General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys and majority shareholder of Comstock Resources and Scott Sheffield, former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources, as the recipients of the 2025 Platinum Award, the Council’s highest honor. The awards were presented during the EWTC Annual Meeting in Frisco, Texas, on April 9 -10, 2025.
The Platinum Award honors a lifetime of achievement, leadership, and impact in the oil and gas industry. This year’s honorees join a distinguished roster of past recipients, including Andrew Gould, Harold Hamm, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Merrill A. “Pete” Miller.
“Jerry Jones and Scott Sheffield embody the bold leadership, innovation, and dedication that define the strength of American energy,” said EWTC President Molly Determan. “Their careers have left a lasting legacy on our industry, and we were proud to celebrate their contributions at our Annual Meeting.”
Jerry Jones: Bridging Energy and Enterprise
Jerry Jones, a titan in both American sports and energy, was honored for his decades-long commitment to domestic energy development. As majority shareholder of Comstock Resources, Jones has invested more than $1 billion into advancing natural gas production in the Haynesville Shale, helping to reinforce U.S. energy security and economic growth.
His award was presented during the Welcome Reception, sponsored by Upright Digital, and was preceded by tribute remarks from M. Jay Allison, CEO of Comstock Resources.
“I couldn’t be prouder to receive the EWTC Platinum Award or happier to have shared this with so many tonight that have impacted our industry and continue to make it strong,” said Jerry Jones. “Football and the oil, gas and energy industry are remarkably the same and as American as America is. Risk taking, grit, determination, getting knocked down and getting back up again, and teamwork are all part of the core fiber of each. The success I’ve had with both is interconnected forever, as oil and gas has been seared into the imprint of my life almost as long as football has.”
Jones continued, “Many decades ago I only dreamed of the journey I have had. That vision for me continues to be inspired and motivated by the great future our American energy sector holds. Just like in football with the great players, coaches and business minds I’ve been associated with, I am fortunate and grateful to have stood on the broad shoulders of the members of the EWTC.”
“Jerry Jones represents the entrepreneurial spirit and bold vision that have powered America’s energy sector for generations,” said Determan. “We are proud to recognize his impact and leadership.”
Scott Sheffield: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
With a career spanning more than four decades, Scott Sheffield transformed Pioneer Natural Resources into one of the nation’s top oil and gas producers. Under his leadership, Pioneer became a dominant force in the Permian Basin, setting new standards for operational excellence and strategic innovation.
Throughout his career, Sheffield championed energy policies that supported American energy and mentored countless emerging leaders across the industry. His award was presented during the awards dinner on April 9, 2025.
“I thank the Council for this tremendous honor—and even more for the profoundly important work it does to enable a strong, profitable energy industry,” said Sheffield.
The 2025 Annual Meeting brought together leaders from across the energy services sector to celebrate these industry icons for the future of American energy.
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Karina Erickson, Communications Director, writes about governmental policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
