Valor CEO Joseph DeWoody Wins Fort Worth Chamber’s Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award

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Valor CEO Joseph DeWoody was the recipient of the Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award, presented on Tuesday during the Fort Worth Chamber’s Annual Meeting at TCU.

DeWoody is the co-founder of Valor, a Fort Worth-based tech-enabled professional service company with expertise in providing mineral management services, including oil and gas accounting, land management, and proprietary software solutions.

Valor is also a provider of oil and gas back-office outsourcing solutions for operators, offering owner relations support, regulatory compliance, accounting, and transactional services.

Since founding the company in 2018, DeWoody has helped Valor become one of Southwest’s leading private asset managers, supporting clients who own or manage oil and gas assets in more than 30 states. The revenue managed by Valor for its clients has grown exponentially, reaching over $650MM annually.

The award honors leadership excellence in business in Greater Fort Worth. It recognizes presidents, principals, or CEOs that devote time and energy to strengthen and transform the organization they lead.

“Joseph’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to service reflect the same spirit and excellence that Susan [Halsey] herself exemplified,” said Joel Heydenburk, partner of Jackson Walker LLP, who presented the award. “His vision has not only elevated Valor as an industry leader but has contributed meaningfully to Fort Worth’s continued growth and prosperity.

Insurance and financial services giant Higginbotham was presented the Fort Worth Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award.

“We are truly honored to receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award from our peers here in Fort Worth,” said Rusty Reid, chairman and CEO of Higginbotham. “This city is where our story began, and its values have shaped who we are as a company. While Higginbotham has grown into a national firm, our commitment to serving communities, supporting businesses, and putting people first remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Founded in 1948, Higginbotham has grown into an industry powerhouse, providing a one-stop shop for insurance, financial, and HR services, while forming a network of partnerships with like-minded agencies across the country. Beyond business, Higginbotham serves the wider community through the Higginbotham Community Fund, which distributes grants across the entire Higginbotham footprint based on recommendations from employees.

Said Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber: “Higginbotham is the perfect Fort Worth success story. Their unwavering commitment to the community, combined with their impressive national growth, demonstrates what’s possible when a company stays true to its values. We’re proud to honor their contributions to the economic and social fabric of our city.”

Over the years, DeWoody has been named to Fort Worth Inc.’s “40 Under 40,” and “The 500;” Texas Monthly’s “Texas’ Top Producer;” D CEO’s “Energy Services and Technology Executive of the Year;” Dallas Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Energy,” Oil and Gas Magazine’s “20 Under 40 E&P Executives.”

Valor also consistently stands out as a Best Company To Work For, which recognizes organizations that create exceptional workplace environments. The company has made a regular appearance on Fort Worth Inc.'s annual list, including claiming the top place in its category in 2023.

DeWoody, a graduate of Baylor, where he also played football, serves in numerous leadership and advocacy roles, volunteering his time to serve as a board member, trustee, director, and committee chair for various organizations, including Young President’s Organization, Southwest Christian School, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, and Camp Bowie District, Inc. He’s also the alumni director of the Texas Lyceum, and a member of American Mensa.